20-2022 – Marcia Selsor – Alternative firing techniques

Introduction

In this hands-on workshop Marcia Selsor will share her vast experience of Soluble Salts in Low Fire Saggars and related alternative firing techniques.  We will experiment with saggar and firing in combination with terra sigillata and the use of salts and soaking organic materials as colorants. It is a way to obtain beautiful designs and colors in delicate hues. First we will make the work, second place it in saggars, adding soluble salts and organic material. With the Obvara technique we will explore textural surfaces and sculptural forms.

Techniques taught

We will start with pre-made test tiles to see color results in low fire saggars, to take home for future reference. After that, participants will make at least 2-4 pieces for the saggar firing and additional 2-4 pieces for the foil saggars. This will provide each person with ample opportunity to experiment. Participants may choose to either hand build or use the wheel. We will consider that firstly, the ceramic pieces created are appropriate for picking up the fumed patterns on the surfaces; secondly, that they are of the right size to fit into the saggars. While they dry, we will further deepen the knowledge of alternative firing techniqes by applying Terra sig, burnish and bisque. Furthermore, we will use collected organic material, copper wire and sawdust to add for smoke and fume effects on the pieces. The pieces will be fired in a raku kiln.

Teaching method

Throughout the workshop, Marcia Selsor will demonstrate the processes and assist participants in mastering the techniques. All results obtained will be discussed and analysed indepth.

Requirements

Participants should bring 4-6 small bisqed pieces of 4-5 inches  height (10 – 15 cm), made of porcelain or white, non groggy stoneware.  They should have a coat of Terra sig and polished surface. Some knowledge of ceramic chemicals is desirable. 

Logistics

The course cost includes a full meal per day and the lodging.

The Artist

Marcia Selsor is a Professor Emerita at Montana State University-Billings where she taught for twenty-five years. Selsor has received two Fulbright Scholars’ Awards: Spain 1985-86 and Uzbekistan 1994. She has had 12 studio residencies including: The Banff Center for Creative Arts, Canada; La Meridiana in Italy, The Philadelphia Clay Studio, US; Archie Bray Foundation, US;, AIR Vallauris, France,; and CRETA -Roma, Italy. Her work is in public collections in 11 countries on three continents. Her work has been featured in numerous books and magazine and won numerous awards. She has taught workshops throughout the U.S., Canada, Spain, France, Scotland and Italy; served on the Boards of the National Council of Education of Ceramic Art (NCECA) and the Potters Council (now ICAN) of the American Ceramics Society. She lives in Red Lodge, Montana. www.marciaselsorstudio.com