About Pit Firing

Discover the ancient art of pit firing!  Through this primitive firing method using a pit as a kiln, these pots come alive with captivating surface effects that emerge from a true collaboration between potter and fire.

Sandra’s pots are formed, trimmed, and then bisque-fired for strength.  They are then decorated with oxides, carbonates, sulfates, and organic materials such as seaweed and salt.  The pots are wrapped in saggars and placed in the pit.  The fire is built around and over the pots and is added to until it is roaring hot.  The pit fire is gradually cooled and the pots are carefully removed, inspected, cleaned, and varnished.

These decorative pots compliment dried foliage beautifully, if you’d like to add something to them.  To give this style of pottery water-holding capability for fresh flowers, a nano-particle sealant like Liquid Quartz (Australia) can be applied to the inside of the pot.  Sandra is currently researching products & application and hopes to offer this as an option in the near future.

No custom orders.