This content was published: May 23, 2005. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Explore ancient pottery making with smoke firing class
Photos and story by James Hill
PORTLAND, Ore. – Smoke-fired pottery is the oldest pottery known to man. Learn the technique discovered on 10,000-year-old shards in Japan to enhance your own pottery making in a Portland Community College non-credit class.Smoke Firing will lead students to create shadowy colors of pale gray to black, taupe to dark brown and flashes of burgundy on hand-formed pots. After the clay pots have been thrown, trimmed and hand burnished, students will bisque fire them in an electric kiln. This strengthens the clay, but leaves it porous enough to receive carbon deposits on the surface during smoke-firing. During the second firing, carbon from the smoke deposits on the surface of the clay to produce unique, uncontrolled designs and patterns. "It’s always a wonderful surprise when the kiln is opened," says Instructor Victoria Shaw. "Smoke firing ensures that no two pots will ever be alike each is a singular creative work of art."The four-week class will meet from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. each Saturday, July 23 through Aug. 13, in Room 134 of Mt. Tabor Hall at the PCC Southeast Center, 2305 S.E. 82nd Ave. Cost is $134.For more information, contact the PCC Community Education office at 503-788-6265.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »