The Subtleties of Soda
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom B/C/D
Start Date
21-5-2015
End Date
21-5-2015
Keywords
Ceramics, Utility, Atmospheric Firing
Abstract
Soda firing is an atmospheric ceramic firing process during which soda which usually consists of sodium bi-carbonate, also known as soda ash, is introduced into the kiln near peak temperature. Soda ash is most commonly mixed with hot water and sprayed directly into the kiln. Once subjected to the heat of the kiln, it vaporizes and bonds with the surfaces of the pots to form a sodium-silicate glaze. The award of the C. Farrell Scholarship in spring 2014 and fall 2014 provided the funds necessary to build a new wood-burning soda kiln and the opportunity for exploration and research of this firing method. The newly constructed kiln, located within the ceramics facilities on the Central Washington University Ellensburg campus, was built during spring of 2014. During the fall of 2014, investigation of this new type of firing technique and how utilitarian vessels lend their form to this process was conducted. The culmination of the award period ended in an exhibition featuring my utilitarian work that is representational of the soda-fired aesthetic. This construction and research provided me with beneficial exploration in areas of kiln construction and the utilization of the aesthetics of soda firing, creating a foundation of knowledge about applying those surface aesthetics to current and future artwork.
Recommended Citation
Bury, Amanda and Charles, Noah, "The Subtleties of Soda" (2015). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 4.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2015/constructedobjects/4
Poster Number
4
Department/Program
Art
Additional Mentoring Department
Art
The Subtleties of Soda
SURC Ballroom B/C/D
Soda firing is an atmospheric ceramic firing process during which soda which usually consists of sodium bi-carbonate, also known as soda ash, is introduced into the kiln near peak temperature. Soda ash is most commonly mixed with hot water and sprayed directly into the kiln. Once subjected to the heat of the kiln, it vaporizes and bonds with the surfaces of the pots to form a sodium-silicate glaze. The award of the C. Farrell Scholarship in spring 2014 and fall 2014 provided the funds necessary to build a new wood-burning soda kiln and the opportunity for exploration and research of this firing method. The newly constructed kiln, located within the ceramics facilities on the Central Washington University Ellensburg campus, was built during spring of 2014. During the fall of 2014, investigation of this new type of firing technique and how utilitarian vessels lend their form to this process was conducted. The culmination of the award period ended in an exhibition featuring my utilitarian work that is representational of the soda-fired aesthetic. This construction and research provided me with beneficial exploration in areas of kiln construction and the utilization of the aesthetics of soda firing, creating a foundation of knowledge about applying those surface aesthetics to current and future artwork.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Stephen Robison