If you’re interested in atmospheric firing, then you’ve come to the right place. Browse this section of CLAYflicks to learn all about kilns and atmospheric firing, like in gas, soda, and wood kilns. Gas kilns are some of the most popular kilns used today, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only kiln you can use to control the atmosphere your work is exposed to. Watching these videos can help you choose the right type of kiln, fuel source, and even the types of surfaces you hope to achieve. In addition to learning about the different types of kilns, you’ll learn the best way to stack a kiln, as well as firing schedules.

Marcia Selsor has extensive experience with raku firing kilns, and here she shows a variety of techniques that can easily be done with any raku kiln. She covers equipment, safety, and suitable clays and glazes for the raku process. In addition to discussing raku, Marcia demonstrates the basic raku pottery process, horsehair and feather raku, saggar firing, and obvara.

Colleen Riley makes soda glazed pottery in her home studio. In addition to demonstrating her building and decorating techniques, Colleen discusses how to fire a soda kiln. Using kiln bricks to close the soda kiln, she goes through the entire process of stacking, loading, firing, and unloading her kiln.

Wood firing isn’t for the faint of heart, but Donovan Palmquist shares his simple approach to making, decorating, and firing his pots. Donovan’s firing schedule is a daunting 40-hour event, but trust us when we say it is worth it. His pots are stunning and elegant.

Today’s ceramic artists are fortunate to have many options for firing their work. Without ceramic kilns, there would be no ceramics! If you’re confused by all the options, check out our videos to learn more about ceramic kilns and see which firing process is right for you!