Open Pit Firing: by Eduardo Lazo, MFA View Eduardo Lazo's work at his Web site at

Because of the nature of their surroundings, contemporary pit firing techniques often yield remarkable surface effects on decorative ware. Vibrant and exciting colorful designs are imprinted on unglazed clay forms by dancing flames carrying fumes from selected combustible materials and chemicals.

Pit firing has as many variations as there have been potters doing it throughout the ages. My focus here will be to introduce you to a methodology that results in multiple color development on the clay surface. These are techniques that I have used over the past 20 years. Basically, low bisqued pieces are placed within a carefully constructed bonfire framework such that the pieces are flame painted (fumed by chemicals and vapors from the combustibles) as they are exposed to oxidation and reduction atmospheres. Clay objects are prepared for the pit using preferred “basic” or “advanced” methods. The pit can be constructed in many configurations around variations on a theme. I will describe two of my favorite pit constructions (one for groups and one for single person firings) that consistently yield multiple color effects. A quick review of basic preparations is followed by more advanced techniques for special results. Click here for morehttp://www.EduardoLazo.com