Pit Fire Workshop

Date & Time: Sunday, July 19, 3–5pm & Saturday, August 8, 8am–5pm

Backup Pit Fire Dates, 8am-5pm: Sunday, August 9, Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16

Instructor: Sam Lee & Ahn Lee

Experience Level: Some pottery experience required

About the Workshop

Join us for a two-part workshop exploring the ancient and versatile technique of pit firing. Participants will learn how to prepare ceramic work for pit firing using traditional surface treatments and then spend a day at Ocean Beach firing their pieces using a variety of combustible materials.

Don't have access to a studio to make your pieces? No problem! This workshop includes limited studio access at Dusted and Blue, allowing you to handbuild or throw work specifically for the pit fire. See details below.

Day 1: Surface Preparation & Pit Fire Techniques

When: Sunday, July 19, 3–5pm

Where: Dusted and Blue

Bring up to 5 bone-dry greenware pieces, each no larger than 6 inches. During this session, you'll learn two traditional preparation techniques commonly used in pit firing:

• Burnishing

• Terra Sigillata application

After the workshop, your pieces will be bisque fired to Cone 010.

If you complete your surface preparation during the workshop, you may leave your pieces at Dusted and Blue for firing. Participants who need additional time will have access to the studio on July 25–26, from 12–5pm, to finish applying terra sigillata.

Bisque firings will take place between July 27–31.

Participants may pick up their bisque-fired pieces and optionally prepare saggers on August 1–2. Saggering techniques will be demonstrated during Day 1.

Please plan to transport your own pieces to the beach if possible. We will already be transporting a significant amount of firing materials and equipment, so our vehicle space is limited. If we transport your work, saggering will not be available.

Day 2: Pit Firing at Ocean Beach

When: Saturday, August 8, 8am–5pm

Where: Ocean Beach Fire Pits

Spend the day preparing the firing pit, loading work, managing the firing process, and learning about the materials and techniques that create the unique surfaces associated with pit-fired ceramics.

While the firing progresses, we'll enjoy lunch together and discuss firing results, troubleshooting, and future pit-firing opportunities.

The firing typically concludes between 4–5pm, though we occasionally finish earlier depending on conditions. Participants will take home their finished work at the end of the day.

Spare the Air & Backup Dates

Pit firing is dependent on weather and air-quality conditions.

If a Spare the Air Alert is issued or conditions are otherwise unsafe for burning, the firing will be postponed to the next available backup date:

• Sunday, August 9, 8am - 5pm

• Saturday, August 15, 8am - 5pm

• Sunday, August 16, 8am - 5pm

Please ensure you are available for all backup dates before registering. We typically receive notice of Spare the Air Alerts approximately four days in advance and will notify participants as soon as we become aware of any schedule changes.

Because the firing date is subject to conditions beyond our control, we cannot offer refunds or credits if a participant is unable to attend a rescheduled firing date. If you cannot attend the rescheduled firing, we can fire your pieces on your behalf.

What's Included

• Day 1 workshop instruction

• Terra sigillata materials

• Cone 010 bisque firing

• Day 2 pit firing instruction

• All pit firing materials, including wood, combustibles, and sagger materials

• Guidance from Sam Lee and Ahn Lee throughout the process

Bonus: Studio Access

Participants receive:

• Two studio bookings (up to 3 hours each) to handbuild or throw pieces for the workshop

• Weekend studio hours: Saturday and Sunday, 12–5pm

Please note that studio access is intended for participants with prior pottery experience who can work independently.

Please email us at Friends@dustedandblue.com to book your studio time. Please plan on giving yourself ample time to allow your pots to dry out before Day 1.

Firing Limits

Each participant may fire:

• Up to 5–6 pieces

• Maximum size: 6 inches per piece

Additional Notes

Bisque Firing

All pieces must be bisque fired to Cone 010 before the pit firing.

You may bisque fire independently or use the firing included with the workshop. If using Dusted and Blue's firing service, all completely dry work must be dropped off no later than Sunday, July 26, between 12–5pm.

Weather & Air Quality

Pit firing may be rescheduled due to weather conditions or Spare the Air restrictions. Please review the backup dates carefully before registering.

Come explore the unique and unpredictable beauty of pit-fired ceramics and spend a day firing alongside fellow makers at Ocean Beach.

Please review our workshop policies before registering.