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.

Workshop DISCOUNTS, INCENTIVES, SCHOLARSHIPS: making this possible for YOU

EARLY BIRD PRICE
If you make your deposit at least three months before the start date of your chosen workshop, be sure to ask for the Earlybird special to receive a 10% discount.


GAYA CAC GROUP LEADER POSITION
 In order to tap into the network of potters and clay enthusiasts worldwide, Gaya CAC is always searching for new Group Leaders who are interested in rounding up a collection of individuals and bringing them to Gaya CAC for an unforgettable workshop experience.

What is a GROUP LEADER?  Simply put, this is an individual with interest, organizational abilities, and a good connection to potential workshop participants. A GL takes on the responsibility of finding 8-12 workshop registrants, collecting tuition fees from each person, and communicating directly with Gaya CAC throughout the lead-up time to the actual course of study. 

In exchange, the GL receives free tuition (including studio materials, lunches, excursions, and accommodation), as well as a per participant monetary incentive.

Are YOU a Group Leader?  Please inquire with us directly if you feel qualified and motivated to take on the role as a Gaya CAC Group Leader!  gayacac@gayaceramic.com 



GAYA CERAMIC ARTS CENTER SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Student Scholarship for a Workshop:

  • Applicant must be minimum 18 years old, and prove he/she is a currently enrolled, full-time student OR was such within the past 6 months at time of workshop of interest. Proof can be copies of course enrollment forms, transcripts, etc.
  • Letter (email format) of recommendation from faculty member of college/university, who is familiar with applicant for a minimum of one year, sent directly from faculty member to edu@gayaceramic.com
  •  5-10 professional quality images of artwork, including title,  date completed, mediums, and dimensions. Images must be formatted in a PowerPoint presentation.
**Letter of application, stating reasons for interest in the workshop of choice, and how it will benefit their overall direction of study in ceramics, as well as description of achievements in academic career that further the case for scholarship from Gaya Ceramic Art Center.

Full application must be sent within a single email (excepting the recommendation) and sent to edu@gayaceramic.com. Applications will not be reviewed by jury until all materials are received. A limited number of scholarships are available per year, and are awarded on a case-by-case, first-received, first-reviewed basis. It is recommended that applications be received a minimum of three months prior to start date of the workshop. Application will be considered for only one workshop at a time.


Indonesian National Scholarship for a Workshop:
  •  Applicant must be minimum 18 years old.
  • Must prove status of Indonesian Nationality, proof may include picture of KTP, or current Indonesian passport.
**Letter of application, including reasons for interest in the workshop of choice, and how it will benefit applicant’s overall direction of study in ceramics, as well as description of  achievements in ceramics career that further the case for scholarship from Gaya Ceramic Art Center.

Full application must be sent within a single email to edu@gayaceramic.com. Applications will not be reviewed by jury until all materials are received. A limited number of scholarships are available per year, and are awarded on a case-by-case, first-received, first-reviewed basis. It is recommended that applications be received a minimum of three months prior to start date of the workshop. Application will be considered for only one workshop at a time.



Non-Student, General Financial Assistance for a Workshop:
  • Applicant must be minimum 18 years old.
  • Letter (email format) of recommendation from a professional in the field, who is familiar with applicant for a minimum of one year, sent directly from the recommender to edu@gayaceramic.com
  • 5-10 professional quality images of artwork, including title,  date completed, mediums, and dimensions. Images must be formatted in a PowerPoint presentation.
**Letter of application, stating reasons for interest in the workshop of choice, and how it will benefit their overall direction of study in ceramics, as well as achievements in art/ceramics career that further the case for scholarship from Gaya Ceramic Art Center.


Full application must be sent within a single email (excepting the recommendation) and sent to edu@gayaceramic.com. Applications will not be reviewed by jury until all materials are received. A limited number of scholarships are available per year, and are awarded on a case-by-case, first-received, first-reviewed basis. It is recommended that applications be received a minimum of three months prior to start date of the workshop. Application will be considered for only one workshop at a time.