About the Course

An intensive 6-day course, covering the glazing, packing and firing of work in a 3-chamber Japanese style wood/soda fired climbing kiln. Set in an isolated forested area overlooking the frontal ranges of the Canadian Rockies, the kiln is dug into the side of a clay hill. 9-10 participants, who should bring bisqueware. Intermediate through professional.

Under the supervision of course instructor John Chalke, share a 24 to 36 hour woodfiring experience to bend cones 8 or 9, seeking that crucial air/fuel balance for top and bottom reduction. Pack and fire with others, stoking a Bourry firebox with seasoned poplar in six hour shifts of two. Bring up to twenty pots, or roughly the equivalent of 5 cubic feet. Wood ash will not be a particular goal in this shorter cycle-type of firing so much as an evenness of temperature, a blush on your clay and mature glaze surfaces.

Fee: $749 Cdn (approx. $465US), which includes fuel, well-tested and suitable glazes, rustic accommodation, nightly slide lectures (solar powered), and, if you're quiet, much wildlife.

We also provide all breakfasts, lunches, and arrival supper - and a western BBQ supper while the kiln is cooling. During the core of course activity, some will need more time for glazing than others, and only so many people can conveniently pack a kiln; additionally, kiln shifts make different timing demands, so few people will have similar schedules. Therefore, we ask that you structure your collective eating needs around your activities for those particular four evenings and obtain your own supper independently. This may be that you go into town - only ten minutes away - or complete your western experience by practicing your culinary skills over the joys of a small cooking fire in the evening open air.