Many of my pieces are soda fired. Introducing a sodium carbonate solution into a very hot kiln vaporizes the solution, and the sodium seeks out the silica in the clay body to form a glaze. On the way it interacts with the slips and oxides of the surface decoration. There are myriad unpredictable variables that affect the outcome of each pot including placement in the kiln, the amount of reduction and the path of the flame that carries the sodium vapors. Meticulously applied surface details can be obliterated or brought to life. It’s a gamble: each piece is unique. Since I've moved to Maine I have been exploring cone 6 porcelain and sgraffito at my home studio and renting the soda kiln at Watershed.