Here are some pots from last weeks studio work.  Lots of stoneware and porcelain and many things intended to warm up the wheel for a summers worth of working.

This weeks post of pots from the studio.  I have been throwing lots of porcelain and it has been fun getting back into using that clay.  Its kind of like trying to throw cream cheese.

All of the Pasta Bowls have been ordered along with 4 of the 12 mugs.  Lots of other items are still available on their wish list

All 12 of the place settings for Jake and McCullough have been ordered by family and friends.  However there are plenty of other items on their list still available.  Refer to the list below and let us know if there is something you wish to give to the couple.
Thanks
Bob Chance

You can purchase Bob Chance Pottery for McCullough and Jake.  See below to get an idea what they want and how to order.

Contact information for ordering:  

Victoria Chance  864-616-0154.  Call or text Email: Victoriachance@gmail.com or snail mail at 

43 Crestline Road, Greenville, SC 29609

You can place an order or discuss a commission and pay by check or cash. 

 

Pottery Items

Mugs. 20.00  4 have been ordered

Dinner plate  25.00 Order Complete

Luncheon/breakfast plate 20.00 Order Complete

Dessert Bowls  10.00

Soup Bowls. 15.00 Order Complete

Pasta Bowls. 20.00 Order Complete

Mixing bowl

            Small  15.00

            Medium 25.00

            Large  40.00 Complete

Serving Bowls. Varies by commission. 50-150.00

Serving platters varies by commission 50-175.00

Set of 5 condiment bowls 45.00

Tea/water pitcher 50.00 Complete

Cream and sugar   40.00

Honey pot         25.00

Berry bowl and plate 25.00 Order Complete

Tea pot  85.00 Complete

Tea cups 15.00 Complete

A Place Setting (dinner plate, bowl and dessert plate) 55.00  ORDER COMPLETE

All pieces will be white stoneware. Dishwasher and microwave safe.  Please note that work in different kiln firings can vary slightly in color

All of the Pasta Bowls have been ordered along with 4 of the 12 mugs.  Lots of other items are still available on their wish list

All 12 of the place settings for Jake and McCullough have been ordered by family and friends.  However there are plenty of other items on their list still available.  Refer to the list below and let us know if there is something you wish to give to the couple.
Thanks
Bob Chance

You can purchase Bob Chance Pottery for McCullough and Jake.  See below to get an idea what they want and how to order.

Contact information for ordering:  

Victoria Chance  864-616-0154.  Call or text Email: Victoriachance@gmail.com or snail mail at 

43 Crestline Road, Greenville, SC 29609

You can place an order or discuss a commission and pay by check or cash. 

 

Pottery Items

Mugs. 20.00

Dinner plate  25.00 Order Complete

Luncheon/breakfast plate 20.00 Order Complete

Dessert Bowls  10.00

Soup Bowls. 15.00 Order Complete

Pasta Bowls. 20.00 Order Complete

Mixing bowl

            Small  15.00

            Medium 25.00

            Large  40.00

Serving Bowls. Varies by commission. 50-150.00

Serving platters varies by commission 50-175.00

Set of 5 condiment bowls 45.00

Tea/water pitcher 50.00

Cream and sugar   40.00

Honey pot         25.00

Berry bowl and plate 25.00 Order Complete

Tea pot  85.00 Complete

Tea cups 15.00 Complete

A Place Setting (dinner plate, bowl and dessert plate) 55.00  ORDER COMPLETE

All pieces will be white stoneware. Dishwasher and microwave safe.  Please note that work in different kiln firings can vary slightly in color

All of the Pasta Bowls have been ordered along with 4 of the 12 mugs.  Lots of other items are still available on their wish list

All 12 of the place settings for Jake and McCullough have been ordered by family and friends.  However there are plenty of other items on their list still available.  Refer to the list below and let us know if there is something you wish to give to the couple.
Thanks
Bob Chance

You can purchase Bob Chance Pottery for McCullough and Jake.  See below to get an idea what they want and how to order.

Contact information for ordering:  

Victoria Chance  864-616-0154.  Call or text Email: Victoriachance@gmail.com or snail mail at 

43 Crestline Road, Greenville, SC 29609

You can place an order or discuss a commission and pay by check or cash. 

 

Pottery Items

Mugs. 20.00

Dinner plate  25.00 Order Complete

Luncheon/breakfast plate 20.00 Order Complete

Dessert Bowls  10.00

Soup Bowls. 15.00 Order Complete

Pasta Bowls. 20.00 Order Complete

Mixing bowl

            Small  15.00

            Medium 25.00

            Large  40.00

Serving Bowls. Varies by commission. 50-150.00

Serving platters varies by commission 50-175.00

Set of 5 condiment bowls 45.00

Tea/water pitcher 50.00

Cream and sugar   40.00

Honey pot         25.00

Berry bowl and plate 25.00 Order Complete

Tea pot  85.00

Tea cups 15.00

A Place Setting (dinner plate, bowl and dessert plate) 55.00  ORDER COMPLETE

All pieces will be white stoneware. Dishwasher and microwave safe.  Please note that work in different kiln firings can vary slightly in colo

McCullough and Jake's Dinnerware

All of the Pasta Bowls have been ordered along with 4 of the 12 mugs.  Lots of other items are still available on their wish list

All 12 of the place settings for Jake and McCullough have been ordered by family and friends.  However there are plenty of other items on their list still available.  Refer to the list below and let us know if there is something you wish to give to the couple.
Thanks
Bob Chance

You can purchase Bob Chance Pottery for McCullough and Jake.  See below to get an idea what they want and how to order.

Contact information for ordering:  

Victoria Chance  864-616-0154.  Call or text Email: Victoriachance@gmail.com or snail mail at 

43 Crestline Road, Greenville, SC 29609

You can place an order or discuss a commission and pay by check or cash. 

 

Pottery Items

Mugs. 20.00

Dinner plate  25.00

Luncheon/breakfast plate 20.00

Dessert Bowls  10.00

Soup Bowls. 15.00

Pasta Bowls. 20.00

Mixing bowl

            Small  15.00

            Medium 25.00

            Large  40.00

Serving Bowls. Varies by commission. 50-150.00

Serving platters varies by commission 50-175.00

Set of 5 condiment bowls 45.00

Tea/water pitcher 50.00

Cream and sugar   40.00

Honey pot         25.00

Berry bowl and plate 25.00

Tea pot  85.00

Tea cups 15.00

A Place Setting (dinner plate, bowl and dessert plate) 55.00  ORDER COMPLETE

All pieces will be white stoneware. Dishwasher and microwave safe.  Please note that work in different kiln firings can vary slightly in color. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2015

McCullough and Jake's Dinnerware

MCCULLOUGH INGLIS AND JAKE BLESSING ARE GETTING MARRIED!

You can purchase Bob Chance Pottery for McCullough and Jake.  See below to get an idea what they want and how to order.

Contact information for ordering:  

Victoria Chance  864-616-0154.  Call or text Email: Victoriachance@gmail.com or snail mail at 

43 Crestline Road, Greenville, SC 29609

You can place an order or discuss a commission and pay by check or cash. 

 

Pottery Items

Mugs. 20.00

Dinner plate  25.00

Luncheon/breakfast plate 20.00

Dessert Bowls  10.00

Soup Bowls. 15.00

Pasta Bowls. 20.00

Mixing bowl

            Small  15.00

            Medium 25.00

            Large  40.00

Serving Bowls. Varies by commission. 50-150.00

Serving platters varies by commission 50-175.00

Set of 5 condiment bowls 45.00

Tea/water pitcher 50.00

Cream and sugar   40.00

Honey pot         25.00

Berry bowl and plate 25.00

Tea pot  85.00

Tea cups 15.00

A Place Setting (dinner plate, bowl and dessert plate) 55.00

All pieces will be white stoneware. Dishwasher and microwave safe.  Please note that work in different kiln firings can vary slightly in color. 

All 12 of the place settings for Jake and McCullough have been ordered by family and friends.  However there are plenty of other items on their list still available.  Refer to the list below and let us know if there is something you wish to give to the couple.
Thanks
Bob Chance

You can purchase Bob Chance Pottery for McCullough and Jake.  See below to get an idea what they want and how to order.

Contact information for ordering:  

Victoria Chance  864-616-0154.  Call or text Email: Victoriachance@gmail.com or snail mail at 

43 Crestline Road, Greenville, SC 29609

You can place an order or discuss a commission and pay by check or cash. 

 

Pottery Items

Mugs. 20.00

Dinner plate  25.00

Luncheon/breakfast plate 20.00

Dessert Bowls  10.00

Soup Bowls. 15.00

Pasta Bowls. 20.00

Mixing bowl

            Small  15.00

            Medium 25.00

            Large  40.00

Serving Bowls. Varies by commission. 50-150.00

Serving platters varies by commission 50-175.00

Set of 5 condiment bowls 45.00

Tea/water pitcher 50.00

Cream and sugar   40.00

Honey pot         25.00

Berry bowl and plate 25.00

Tea pot  85.00

Tea cups 15.00

A Place Setting (dinner plate, bowl and dessert plate) 55.00  ORDER COMPLETE

All pieces will be white stoneware. Dishwasher and microwave safe.  Please note that work in different kiln firings can vary slightly in color. 

McCullough and Jake's Dinnerware

McCullough Inglis and Jake Blessing are getting married!

You can purchase Bob Chance Pottery for McCullough and Jake.  See below to get an idea what they want and how to order.

Contact information for ordering:  

Victoria Chance  864-616-0154.  Call or text Email: Victoriachance@gmail.com or snail mail at 

43 Crestline Road, Greenville, SC 29609

You can place an order or discuss a commission and pay by check or cash. 

 

Pottery Items

Mugs. 20.00

Dinner plate  25.00

Luncheon/breakfast plate 20.00

Dessert Bowls  10.00

Soup Bowls. 15.00

Pasta Bowls. 20.00

Mixing bowl

            Small  15.00

            Medium 25.00

            Large  40.00

Serving Bowls. Varies by commission. 50-150.00

Serving platters varies by commission 50-175.00

Set of 5 condiment bowls 45.00

Tea/water pitcher 50.00

Cream and sugar   40.00

Honey pot         25.00

Berry bowl and plate 25.00

Tea pot  85.00

Tea cups 15.00

A Place Setting (dinner plate, bowl and dessert plate) 55.00

All pieces will be white stoneware. Dishwasher and microwave safe.  Please note that work in different kiln firings can vary slightly in color. 

FORNO

With leftover bricks from the wood kiln construction Cody and I built a Forno--an Italian inspired wood oven for making pizza, stromboli, focacciao and griglia mista. The front is faced with handmade earthenware tiles sporting maiolica painting and glaze decals from Gubbio donated by my friend R.G. Brown. The chimney is thrown and altered earthenware featuring the Re del Forno with a cigar that smokes when the chimney is going.

According to my art history professor friend Tom Pitts the term Fornication comes from the Latin root word Forno. The word Fornix means arch and the bread ovens then were constructed of barrel vaulted arches. Fornicato means done near the archway--as the ladies of the evening in ancient Rome entertained their gentlemen callers near the bakery district and on the cold winter evenings would ply their trade close to the Forno to stay warm.

Nonetheless, the Forno is up and going and hopefully we will be entertaining more genteel ladies while cooking various dishes in the new wood oven.

Pots for Second Firing

Here is a group of bisqueware pots getting ready to be glazed for the second firing of the wood kiln. There are a variety of shapes and sizes -- thrown and hand built that will fit in with a few other pieces that did not get in the first firing. The earthenware piece with the carved slip will go in the very back where the space was cooler than in the rest of the kiln. I will try the approach of placing a lower temperature clay in the back so that I can work with the nature of the kiln instead of having it work against my prejudices of how this kiln should fire. We shall see!

POTS FROM THE FIRST FIRING

I am posting some pieces from the first firing that show the effect of ash and a little soda on the glazed pots. There is a mixture of stoneware, white stoneware and porcelain in this firing so the surfaces are mixed in terms of how the glazes are being influenced by the color of clay under them. Some have more ash intertwined with the glaze and these pieces were closer to the firebox. I was pleased and surprised by the surface effects that I attained in this first firing.

First Firing Done

The first firing is done and the results were mixed. The front 1/3 of the kiln came out great, the middle third was OK but somewhat cool and the back never got to the temperature I wanted it to achieve. The firing took 15 hours which includes a 4 hour preheat with gas to cure the arch keystone and the back wall top inset. I learned that with this kiln less wood per stoke is better than more as it is easy to choke it up with too much wood. Also, the front air intake required less air than I anticipated. There are 4 air intake ports on the bottom front and I ended up using the two middle ones. My biggest problem was even distribution of heat which is not uncommon for a wood kiln but I think I crammed it too full and did not allow enough room for heat flow front to back. It was fairly even in terms of heat from top to bottom in the front and middle of the chamber. I used a little salt at the end and it combined with the ash deposits on the clay nicely.

The next firing will be stacked a bit looser and with less little stuff crammed everywhere. Also, there were some pieces of castible on the surface of the top pots so I need to work the loose bits out of the margin between the last bricks on the inside top of the arch and the cast keystone. I will post some pictures of the finished pots in my next posting.

First Firing

The morning of the first firing I looked out to the garden and look who was watching! A very large Red Tailed Hawk sitting on the gatepost to the entrance of the garden. What a magnificent animal. I am hoping that he/she is a good omen for the upcoming firing.

LOADED

The kiln is loaded and the door is stacked. Next is the first firing. It didn't hold all of the pots I made for the maiden voyage but, honestly, it holds more pieces than I imagined it would. I will candle this first firing with propane for about 6 hours until I am sure the castable is cured. It has been sitting under a metal roof for almost an entire South Carolina summer so it is as dry as it's going to get but I will fire it slowly the very first firing. Fingers Crossed

LOADING THE KILN

Everything is made, bisque fired, glazed and now it is time to load the kiln. Transporting the pots down the hill from the studio to the kiln was a bit of a task and there were a few casualties along the way, but all is here now and ready to go into the kiln chamber. I am uncertain as to how many pieces this new kiln will hold, so I made more than I thought would fit in the interior, but we shall see. The actual placing of the pieces in the kiln begins tomorrow.

WOOD

In preparation for the first firing I am gathering and splitting wood. You can see two bunches of split wood in this post -- one is a pile and the other is stacked under the woodshed. It is a mixture of oak, hickory, pine, poplar and cherry plus a bunch of small pieces of dressed wood for my side stoke hole. They say that wood heats you four times; once when you cut it, once when hauled, then when you split it and when it burns. I would add a fifth time: when you stack it in the south in the summer. The good thing about wood firing in the south is that we will never run out of pine in my lifetime. My neighbor Dave brought over an oak tree from his son-in-law's yard with his front loader that was about 30" in diameter in places. It gave me a new appreciation of tree service workers. Now on to glazing!

Pots for the Kiln

Here is a picture of pots that are in process for the first firing. They are stoneware, porcelain and white stoneware...various clays around the studio. I am making more pieces than is probably necessary as I don't have a good idea how many pots this kiln will hold.

The Kiln is Done

The kiln is finally done!  There are now lots of pots to be made for the first firing and wood to be cut and split.  You can see the supporting steel is in place and the metal rods are tightened to the point of light tension.  I have included some detail shots of the side stoke port, the bricks that line the side and the ports for pyrometers.  

The side stoke plug is an idea I got from Michel Bayne, a local potter and friend that cast his port and plug using terra cotta flower pots.  Michel is a very fine clay artist working in the Edgefield tradition. 

The pyrometer ports will contain porcelain tubes that will act as shields for the pyrometer's two thermocouples, one placed next to the front stack and one near the back.  They will measure the temperature during the firing along with pyrometric cones.

Final Stucco Coat

The final coat of insulating stucco is attached the outside surface of the kiln.  It covers both the bricks and the layer of kaowool blanket and both help to keep the heat in the kiln.  I anticipate that this will need patching and covering after each firing as the kiln expands and contracts during the firing process.  Next the steel is attached -- I am almost there and it is time to make pots for the first firing!

Woodshed

The wood shed has been attached to the kiln shed and the bracing has been attached to both sheds.  I am ready not to be on a ladder for a while and working over my head and with the sun gleaming down on sheet metal.  But we had rain almost every day last week  and the wood shed roof, which goes slightly under that of the kiln shed creates quite a run off when the rain comes down.  I will eventually attach a gutter and hook that up to a rain barrel for the garden.  Next comes finishing the outside stucco and attaching the steel bracing to the kiln.

Insulating Blanket Coating

The kiln now has a coat of Kaowool, a spun clay material that has an insulating quality and can withstand temperatures in excess of 2000 degrees F.  This material is similar to the tiles that cover the surface of the Space Shuttle and keep it from burning up during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.  You can see from the photo that on the kiln it is held in place with wire which will also act a surface to grip and hold a coat of A.P. Green refractory stucco insulation that will cover the outside of the arch and further help to retain heat in the kiln during firings.