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Most ceramics classes at Brookfield Craft Center are
categorized as high fire or low fire classes. These terms refer to the
temperature at which the clay is fired in the kiln, but also defines the types
of clay, glazes and techniques used and aesthetics achieved in each class. Throwing
refers to using the potter’s wheel to form shapes while hand building refers to
slab, coil and pinch techniques.
LOW FIRE
Earthenware is considered a low fire clay, and is fired in
our electric kilns. Glazes retain stability at lower temperatures, so you can
achieve bright colors and detailed designs. Lower temperatures also mean that the
clay does not fully vitrify (or fuse), so that the glazes are what give low
fire ceramics their waterproof qualities. Historically, low fire clays have
been red, like terracotta. Now low fire clays are also readily available in
light and white colors
HIGH FIRE
Stoneware and porcelain are
high fire clays, and are fired in our outdoor gas kilns. As hard as stone,
these clays fire to be strong and waterproof. Because the clay fully vitrifies
(or fuses), it can be made into thin and delicate pieces and still remain
strong. Ceramicists have less control of the end result of high fire glazes,
creating unique, one-of-a-kind surfaces.
Click here to view PAST CERAMICS CLASSES
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