Discovering New Ways to Fire Ceramics

Finding a way to fire your own pieces can be one of the first challenges for anyone starting out in ceramics. But do we really need a conventional kiln to experiment? In the Rudimentary Kilns Workshop, led by Renato Costa e Silva and Kerstin Thomas, participants explore alternatives by building and using small gas- or wood-fired kilns. Over the course of three days, they create pieces using different clays, learn how the kilns work, and follow the entire firing process, from preparation to the final opening. A hands-on experience with clay, fire, and experimentation that allows participants to discover new possibilities in ceramics and gain greater autonomy to continue creating. At Cerdeira, the process is just as important as the result.