Herbster Wood-Fire Ceramics Workshop

Firing begins once the loading is complete. A small bonfire is the beginning of what will eventually become a forty-foot flame with temperatures exceeding 2400 degrees Fahrenheit. Stoking of the fire takes place 24 hours a day for four days, and consists of three eight-hour shifts. The kiln is stoked with red pine.

Click on a photo to see a larger version

The fire that starts it all...

Bricking the door, with the fire lit

The first stoke

Fuel

The kiln is fairly quiet on the first night...

...but soon reaches extreme temperatures

Nicki stoking the kiln - stoking is hot work

Phil stoking the side of the kiln

Leah stoking the kiln

The belly of the beast

During firing, the temperatures pull some of the bricks in the chimney apart

Tall flame

Click here to view a video clip of Justin stoking the kiln (2.6 mb MPG)

If you are interested in learning more about the workshop, or would like to attend, please contact Mike Weber at weberml@uwec.edu