Shifting Implements
An Artist Initiative Grant Exhibition
In 2019 I was awarded an Artist Initiative Grant for my proposal to build a small downdraft soda kiln. Shifting Implements is the culmination of several months of kiln design, construction, surface tests, pottery making, and firing.
All work is made of stoneware clay and fired to cone 9, 2,295 degrees Fahrenheit, in a downdraft soda kiln.
Soda Kiln
For the past 20 years my work has been fired in an electric kiln. The design and construction of a gas fired downdraft kiln is a new endeavor of research for my work. The propane fired kiln will be able to create a reduction environment and allow for the introduction of soda carbonate. The kiln is an appropriation of various gas kiln designs. Resource information was found in the classic books “The Kiln Book: Materials, Specifications, and Construction: A Brick by Brick Approach” by Frederich Olsen, “Kilns: Design, Construction, and Operation” by Daniel Rhodes, and “Kiln Construction” by Joe Finch. Further design ideas are from Donovan Palmquist at Master Kiln Builders and the Bailey Kilns fired early in my career. A big “thank you” to Smith-Sharp Fire Brick Supply for their help in sourcing the needed brick and kiln shelves.
