Barrel firing is an ancient process of firing clay vessels in a wood fire. These ceramic sculptures are hand-built using pinch pot and coiling techniques. Once the body of clay is almost completely dry the surface is burnished to a glossy finish and a few of coats of an ultra-fine clay slip called terra sigillata is applied. The clay vessels are pre-fired to 900C prior to the final barrel firing which uses wood, straw and hay as combustibles. Beautiful and varied colourations are achieved by adding organic materials such as seaweed and discarded fruit skins with inorganic chemicals such as iron-oxide and salt to the wood fire. Once cool the sculptures are washed, dried and a protective layer of beeswax is finally applied.

The process is highly unpredictable and the final embellishments of colour and tone depend on the precise but random mix of combustibles and organics used, in addition to the temperature, humidity and wind pattern on the day. Hence every piece truly is unique!

Note: these pieces are purely sculptural and not suitable for outside use, water or food retention.