Skill Building Workshop: Salt Firing w/Nathan Stanfield

January 4, 5, and 10 (optional), 2025

Day 1: Saturday, Jan 4 - Glazing, Wadding, Loading

9 AM - 5 PM

We will begin the first day with a brief explanation of the effects of salt firing and demonstration of how to prepare your work for the firing. We will then begin glazing, decorating, and applying flashing slips to the work. After lunch we will start wadding our pots and getting them in the kiln. We will end the day by beginning to candle the kiln.

** Each student is encouraged to bring between 5-10 pieces of CONE 10 bisqueware for the kiln, each piece no larger than 9" in any direction, and pieces in varying sizes up to the max height is recommended. Cone 10 white stoneware or porcelain is recommended. **

Day 2: Sunday, Jan 5 - Firing!

9 AM - 5 PM

We will check the kiln every 30-60 minutes and discuss what to look at and adjust to keep the temperature rising. The results will be logged to create an informational document that is shared later on. If you’d like to join for a portion of the day it is suggested to come between 9am - 2pm, as this is the time we generally will add salt to the kiln.

While firing the kiln, participants will learn how to:

keep safety in mind while participating
check the cones and pyrometer for information
make adjustments to the damper and gas based on the information gathered

Between kiln checks, Nathan will give instructions on:

how the burners work and the different parts they are made of
preparing the salt burritos
designing work for these firings, clays, slips, etc.

Day 3: Friday, January 10 (optional) - The Big Reveal

10 AM - 2 PM

On this glorious Friday morning we will meet at the kiln to take our first look at the results and discuss what we see. We will unload the kiln and share information about what we are seeing on the pots. Nathan will instruct different methods of cleaning up the pots, removing wadding, and sanding.

Pictured: Nathan Stanfield, Four salt fired vessels.

About your Instructor:

Nathan Stanfield is from Oceanside, CA and began working in clay in 2010 during his time at Mira Costa College, where he earned an AA in Printmaking. He earned his BA in Sculpture from San Diego State University in 2014 before relocating to Los Angeles, CA. He has worked in collaboration with various designers and artists across Los Angeles while producing his own work in the studio. In 2019 Nathan began working with AMOCA in Pomona, CA; he continues to sell and exhibit work across the US.