Soda Firing Mar 13-Apr 17

Description

Special Topics in Ceramics: Soda Firing with Ben Roti & Laura “Lolo” Aileen Howe

Ancient forms and techniques through a contemporary lens

Fridays | Mar 13 – Apr 17 | 9 am-12 pm | 6 Instructor-Led Class Sessions + 6 Open Studio Practice Sessions

Experience the exciting world of atmospheric firing in this hands-on Soda Firing course. Students will actively participate in three firings of our soda-conversion gas kiln—learning how soda vapor interacts with clay and glaze surfaces to create dynamic, unpredictable, and beautifully varied results. Throughout the six weeks, you’ll plan and create work specifically for soda firing while developing a deeper understanding of kiln atmosphere and surface development.

What You’ll Experience:

Atmospheric Kiln Fundamentals: Learn the core principles of soda firing—from loading strategies and kiln furniture to soda introduction methods and safety.
Dedicated Making Time: Create thoughtfully designed pieces suited for atmospheric surfaces, focusing on form, clay body choice, texture, and slips.
Active Firing Participation: Help prepare the kiln and actively take part in three soda firings over the session—observe, record outcomes, and apply discoveries.
Surface Variation & Results Analysis: Understand flashing, carbon trapping, glaze response, and how placement in the kiln influences each piece.

Class Details:

Hands-On Kiln Experience: Students will learn firing schedules, burner adjustments, atmosphere control, and soda delivery techniques.
Creative and Experimental Focus: Explore expressive surfaces and unpredictable results unique to atmospheric firing.

Included Materials:
See Materials Tab for more information

Safety First:
Proper PPE and instruction provided for safe interaction with the kiln environment.

Age Requirement:

Ceramics classes are designed for persons aged 16 and over, or with instructor approval.

26 0313c BR

Ben Roti

Ben Roti is a ceramic artist originally from Spirit Lake, IA. He attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, from 2006 to 2010 and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics. During college, Ben’s ceramic work concentrated on the elements of world conflict culminating in his BFA show, “The Cost of War.” After finishing his BFA, Ben accepted a position as a studio assistant to ceramic artist, Don Reitz in Clarkdale, Arizona. Over several years (2010-2014), Ben had the opportunity to work with Don Reitz in the studio, assist with workshops in Montana and Florida, and was instrumental in the installations of gallery shows in Chicago, Denver, and Kansas City. At the Reitz Ranch, Ben furthered his knowledge in atmospheric firing with wood and salt types as well as a soda kiln in St. Petersburg, FL. He also was a part of constructing and repairing kilns. Since leaving the Reitz Ranch, Ben has returned to creating functional works using low-fire earthenware clay and has begun to develop a new body of work. Using reductive techniques, through sandblasting, Ben is able to build variations and create layers, which are inspired by the results that are commonly seen in atmospheric firing.

Ben currently resides in Camp Verde, Arizona, with his two sons.

Laura “Lolo” Aileen Howe

As someone with a case of tactile munchies, Lo is passionate about introducing students to the medium of clay, the joy and possibilities of creating with it. Her favorite tool is the potter’s wheel. Lo has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and encourages discovery-based learning methods. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, she brings a kinesthetic sensitivity to her teaching, helping students connect physically with the medium. Lo gained her understanding of ceramic processes and materials at Yavapai College through both coursework and employment as a studio technician, mentor ceramists, workshops, and hands on experience. In 2019 she took a class at SAC and has been involved in their ceramics department ever since. Outside of teaching, you will find her tending to studio needs, making and practicing atmospheric firings at Reitz Ranch Center for the Ceramic Arts, as well as continuing her education in bodywork/massage therapy.

Included Materials:

Includes a 25-pound bag of soda-friendly clay, glazes/slips, studio firings, and one open studio session per week. Additional clay available for purchase.

Safety First:

Proper PPE and instruction provided for safe interaction with the kiln environment.

Cancellation Policy

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Registration

Each student must enroll individually.
Classes must be paid in full upon registration.
Students may register online or call Sedona Arts Center Office at 928-282-3809, Ext 1 or toll free at 866-282-3809 Ext 1.
Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express are accepted or student may pay with cash or check by registering in person during office hours Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.

In-Person and Online Classes Cancellation

Students must cancel or transfer at least 7 days prior to the first day of class.
If a student cancels or transfers before the 7-day cut-off, a 15% fee will be applied.
If a student cancels within 7 days prior to class, there are no refunds.
If Sedona Arts Center cancels the class for any reason, all payments made will be refunded in full.

Important Message

Sedona Arts Center is not responsible for providing make-up sessions or issuing refunds, credits, or transfers for courses missed as a result of illness, emergencies, or other events beyond our control. There are absolutely no refunds after the cut-off date for any reason, unless Sedona Arts Center has to cancel the workshop, then all fees paid will be refunded in full.