Firing Up the Studio: What I Wish I Knew About Pottery Firing

Confession #216…Turns out, not everything can survive my fire, but that’s okay, we’re all learning.

There’s something undeniably magical about pottery—the way the clay starts off as a soft, squishy ball and transforms into beautiful, usable art. But what happens behind the scenes? What exactly goes on in the kiln, that fiery beast that turns raw clay into a stunning, solid piece of pottery? Well, let me give you a peek inside, and let me tell you, the journey from muddy hands to fired perfection is far from straightforward. (Spoiler alert: It’s a little chaotic, a lot surprising, and totally worth it!)

As a lover of handmade pottery, you’ve probably admired those beautiful ceramic mugs or handbuilt plates on your shelves, but what you may not know is that they’ve gone through some serious transformation in a very hot oven. Pottery firing is where the magic happens—and it’s full of mystery, mishaps, and moments of pure joy. So, let me take you behind the kiln door and share what I wish I knew about pottery firing before I embarked on this creative journey. (Another spoiler: It’s not all perfect, but that’s part of the fun!)

1. It’s Not Just a 15-Minute Thing – It’s a Waiting Game

Imagine you’ve just made a beautiful handmade bowl, carefully shaped, dried, and glazed, and now it’s time for the firing. You load it into the kiln and turn it on, thinking you’re about to witness some sort of instant magic. Nope. Firing pottery is a long, slow process. It’s like waiting for a loaf of bread to bake, only it’s hotter and a little more suspenseful.

I used to think firing was quick and easy. Oh, how wrong I was. It can take anywhere from two to three days., depending on what’s being fired. You load the kiln, then—you wait. The kiln slowly reaches temperatures of up to 1300°C (2372°F). During that time, your pieces go through chemical reactions that make them stronger, more durable, and ready for the world.

And the waiting doesn’t stop there! After the firing is done, you still need to let the kiln cool down. So you’re looking at a full day (or more) of anticipation before you even get to see how your pottery turned out. The slow burn (pun intended) is half the fun!

2. Kilns Are Mysterious Beasts – Even the Pros Get Surprised

So, what happens in the kiln? Honestly, it’s a bit of a mystery, even for those who’ve been doing this for years. A kiln is like that quirky friend who says, “I’ll be there in 5 minutes” and then shows up an hour later with no explanation. Even with all the right prep, sometimes the pottery firing process can throw curveballs.

I’ve learned that no two firings are the same. Every time I load the kiln, I hold my breath a little. There are just so many variables—like how tightly I packed the pieces, how thick the clay is, or the whims of the glaze. Some pottery pieces survive the heat beautifully, while others crack, glaze unexpectedly, or transform in ways I didn’t plan.

But that’s the fun of it, right? Even if it doesn’t always turn out as planned, there’s always something unique in every firing. And isn’t that what makes handmade pottery so special? Every piece has its own little story, and it’s often the quirks and imperfections that give it character.

3. Not Everything Survives the Fire – And That’s Okay

Let’s talk about the hard truth: Not everything survives the firing process. Some pieces crack, some pieces explode (yes, explode!), and some just don’t turn out the way you imagined. It’s all part of the creative journey. The kiln is a powerful force, and it doesn’t always play nice.

When a ceramic plate comes out of the kiln in one piece, it’s a victory. When it comes out shattered into pieces? Well, let’s just say that’s part of the learning process. But don’t worry—those “failed” pieces aren’t wasted. They’re reminders of the artist’s journey, and every piece that survives makes the whole process worth it.

So, next time you pick up a handmade ceramic mug or handcrafted bowl, remember: It’s not just about what it looks like—it’s about the transformation it went through, from the muddy hands of creation to the intense heat of the kiln. Every piece has a bit of fire in it, and that’s what makes it one of a kind.

4. The Glaze Can Be a Little Sneaky

Glaze is what gives pottery its colour and finish, but it can also be a bit of a wild card. The thing about glazes is that they don’t always do what you expect them to do. Sure, they look lovely in the studio, but when the kiln door opens, you can be greeted with a surprise.

For example, that beautiful blue glaze you picked out might turn into a much darker, moodier shade once it’s fired. Or that vibrant green glaze might look more like an earthy brown. It’s always an exciting moment, but also a slightly nerve-wracking one. Will your glaze turn out as planned, or will it add an unexpected layer of beauty to your piece? There’s only one way to find out: open the kiln and see!

5. Firing Is All About Growth and Learning

Here’s the best part about pottery firing: Even though the process is unpredictable, it’s always a learning experience. No matter how many times I fire a kiln, I’m still discovering new things. The more I work with clay and glaze, the more I understand the intricacies of the firing process, and that knowledge helps me make better, stronger, and more beautiful pieces.

And that’s the beauty of handmade pottery. It’s about embracing the process, the mistakes, and the imperfections along the way. Every firing teaches me something new, and every piece that emerges from the kiln is a reflection of that growth.

So, the next time you admire a handmade ceramic mug or handcrafted plate in your collection, know that it didn’t just magically appear—it went through fire, transformation, and a few surprises. But in the end, that’s what makes it so special.

Until next time,
Nawsheen, your friendly homebody artist from Murrumbateman.