Mel Jacobson on thu 3 jul 97
in the potteries that i saw and visited in kyoto ,(including ours) the coil
size in the electric kilns were about the size of my little finger. they
were placed in the kilns like ribbon candy. the kilns were top loaders in
most cases and very large. perhaps 6 feet long, 4 feet deep, and 3 feet
wide. we had three of them that size.
i have seen the local reduction kilns using wood and charcoal in electric.
it works, and some japanese potters continue to use it.
i believe without doubt, soon, with certain coatings of the coils, and good
managment, we will be reducing electric kilns as a common practice. (see
nils lou's comments on his new reduction electric kilns)
the problem that i have with that is, we have not nearly exhausted our
research into new and vibrant ways of firing
electric kilns in ox. there is nothing wrong with the electric kiln as a
tool. potters must continue to do research and develope new and unique
ways of making pots.
also we have to continue to do research into using multiple fuels in
reduction kilns. the first thing one should learn in a kiln building class
is: what is the best fuel available for your location? if you live in
an apartment,in the heart of chicago, why would you want to do reduction?
so, lots to think about. and lots to do. those of you that work only with
electric kilns....stop looking for the perfect white cone 6 glaze, and
think about how you may alter your clay bodies, textures, surfaces, colors.
and then when you have done that, look at your forms....think, think,
think. pots with great form always win. they do not even have to be big.
mel jacobson/minnesota
612 935 5943/ fax 612 935 5434
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