Skill Building Workshop: Soda Firing with Nathan Stanfield – Pomona, CA

Day 1: Saturday, Sep 28, 9 AM – 5 PM

Glazing, Wadding, Loading

We will begin the first day with a brief explination of the effects of soda 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 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, Sep 29, 9 AM – 5 PM

Firing!

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 spray the soda solution.

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 soda kiln solution
• designing work for these firings, clays, slips, etc.

Day 3: Saturday, October 5, 10 AM – 2 PM

The Big Reveal

On this glorious Saturday we will meet at the kilns to take our first look at the results and discuss what we see. We will unload the kiln, place the work in the studio according to how it was arranged on the shelves, and discuss what we are seeing. Nathan will instruct different methods of cleaning up the pots, removing wadding, and sanding. As a group we will clean up the kiln and kiln pad before packing up our work.

Course Policies

Refunds are not allowed after the workshop begins. Refunds requested during the week prior to the start of the class will be honored at 50%. Refunds requested prior to this will be honored minus Eventbrite fees. If you would like to request a refund, email studio@amoca.org.

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 Southern California.