Beyond Gas: Firing “alternative” kilns at Gaya CAC

FIRING ALTERNATIVE KILNS at GAYA CAC

Raku
Soda
Anagama

We are growing. More and more member are showing interest in “alternative” firing methods, and this is an exciting development.
Our members are encouraged to step up and step into the drivers seat of firing kilns; to build up experience, advance knowledge and increase the fluency of fire required to take on the responsibility and commitment that firing a kiln requires.
Our approach to education asks that members who fire with wood, soda, or smoke take responsibility and ownership of information made available through our workshops and other opportunities; that they contribute to their own learning by participating fully in as much of the kiln firing as is required, according to the directions of a Lead Firer.


Lead Firer: each firing should have one designated head who will be in charge of making pertinent decisions regarding the stack, the firing, cooling, cracking of the kiln, and unloading, as well as taking responsibility for inviting and then leading other members who are involved. This is the one cook in the kitchenapproach to equanimity and accord. Lead firer must make clear, consistent, and detailed notes of the firing (firing log) for studio reference. Lead firer is also responsible for the final condition of the kiln furniture, interior and clean up.  Eligibility to be a Lead Firer is to be determined by GCAC director.


In-House Studio Leaders (Hillary, Eva, Jen, Etc.)—
    Will decide how the kiln is to be loaded, which works will be selected and/or prioritized, how the kiln is to be fired, cooled, etc.  Invitation to participate does not guarantee that all ones works will be able to get into the firing.
Will follow the studio philosophy of requiring that any invited members already have taken a workshop on that firing style or have adequate prior experience of their own to participate in a knowledgeable manner. 
Will require that all participants participate in all aspects of the firing: (prep/loading/firing/unloading/cleanup) Although there will be plenty of guidance given by Lead Firer, it is to be noted that these firings are not workshops-- thus not intended to be teaching firings


Solo Firer—a single artist (non GCAC staff), already sufficiently knowledgeable in firing can elect to run a firing entirely independently 

Additional participants—other members can be invited to join in the firing by the lead firer (non GCAC staff).  Lead Firer should follow the same protocol of the general studio philosophy regarding selection of and active participation of additional firers. 


Scheduling—firings must be booked with significant advance notice so as to fit into the program of workshops, classes, and general studio firings.  Bookings must be arranged with Studio Coordinator and/or Managing Director


Assistance of studio handsstudio “techs” (Pak Wayan and Komang) will be made available to assist in specific ways for each style of alternative firing.  Their assistance is built into the price of firing, but especially when assistance requires overnight attendance, the scheduling of the firing will also necessarily include clearance with either of them for their availability.
Eg. making/locating wadding and kiln wash, sourcing wood and combustibles, assisting with bricking up door, changing of gas tanks, etc.

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