Throwing & Pit Firing Experience

This workshop is SOLD OUT – please email us to be added to the waiting list.

Part one (Throwing Workshop)

• Saturday 18 July & Sunday 19 July, 10am – 1pm each day

Part two (Pit Firing)

• Saturday 1 August, 1pm – 4pm
• Sunday 2 August, 10am for approx. 1hr (unload pit firing)

*You need to be able to participate in both parts of the workshop (workshop fees are inclusive of part one and part two) – The work created in part one will be fired during the pit firing.

Join us for an introduction to Pit Firing with Kerrie Docker from Table Top Pots. Designed for intermediate ceramicists looking to explore the art of pit firing, you’ll learn the entire process from throwing, trimming and preparing your pieces for firing, to understanding the different options for surface effects and colouration, setting up a pit, managing the firing, and post-firing processes.

Part one (to take place at The Pumphouse):

• Introduction to clay bodies suitable for pit firing.
• Preparation of clay for throwing.
• Under the guidance of Kerrie, throw vessels for pit firing with a focus on enclosed forms such as vases.
• Return on day two to trim work.
• Learn the art of burnishing. Burnish work and prepare pots for bisque firing.
• Discuss how organic materials – such as banana peels, corn husks, citrus peel, seaweed, Casuarina leaves and other coastal plants – can create unique colours and finishes. Participants to begin collecting materials for pit firing.

Part two (to take place off site):

• Refresher on the effect of organic materials on surface colouration and results.
• Prepare pots for the pit firing.
• Collect firewood and stack pit.
• Fire work made during the throwing workshop, stoke and seal the firing pit.
• Return the next day to unload the pit, complete any post-firing processes and reflect on your results.
• Take home some one-of-a-kind ceramic works.

Includes all tuition, clay, equipment and firing of work. Feel free to bring along your favourite tools to use. Participants will need to provide organic materials for the pit firing and will be given advice on this during the first part of the workshop.

Please wear enclosed shoes, tie long hair back, and wear warm, comfy clothes.

This workshop is part of the Elevate Program; a program designed to boost the creative strength of Albury and the surrounding region. Proudly supported by Create NSW, Elevate helps local artists, makers and designers turn great ideas into market‑ready products through practical workshops, hands‑on masterclasses and real opportunities to sell their work. Find out more here.

About the Artist

Kerrie has many years’ experience with ceramics. She began her life in clay at high school, before she went on to complete a degree in ceramic design and focus her practice on wheel-thrown pottery. Kerrie now works under the name of Table Top Pots and produces a wide range of functional tableware. She takes immense joy in making beautiful pieces with a focus on functionality and design that means they can be used and enjoyed every day.