ANAGAMA WORKSHOP 2024
29th October – 8th of November 2024
Join us for this year’s wood-firing workshop where we will fire Andres Allik’s (kiln master from Estonia) small anagama kiln, also called Babygama. This kiln has 1.5 m³ of space with dimensions W115 x L218 x H92.
Anagama kilns are single-chambered and designed for long-duration wood firings. A distinctive feature of these kilns is the absence of a barrier separating the firebox from the main chamber, allowing full exposure of the ceramics to ash deposits, more so at the front and less towards the back. Guldagergård’s anagama includes a secret chamber at the back, known as the sutema, which helps stabilize firing conditions in the main chamber. The sutema can also be used for firing pots when a lower ash deposit is desired.
The workshop process includes: glazing, wadding, stacking the kiln, preparing firewood, and cleaning the kiln and the kiln furniture after firing. We will offer a range of glazes (shinos, celadons, tenmoku) and wood firing slips for you to try, but you are welcome to bring your own or make a glaze here at the center. (The provided glazes are included in the workshop price; however, you will need to pay for the dry materials if you choose to make your own glaze.)
The workshop runs for 11 days, and is led by our kiln yard technician, Ana Tanevska-Marian.
IMPORTANT: Please understand that the process before, during, and after a firing is labor-intensive and physically demanding. It requires a team of people working together as a community to fire the kiln. Good communication among team members is essential for the firing to run smoothly and for challenges to be overcome with ease.
What you need to bring:
1. Artwork or pottery should be made strictly from high-fire stoneware clay and/or porcelain. Stoneware with a high iron content is not recommended for this type of firing we will be doing – high-fire glaze firing. However, it is possible to place work made from clay bodies like the Industrial Crank in the back of the kiln.
The front of the kiln should be stacked with medium and large pieces that are sturdy enough to withstand the rough atmosphere near the firebox. Small and fragile pieces are at risk of cracking, warping, and/or tipping over Therefore, we recommend bringing work in a variety of sizes, if your practice allows.
Regarding the amount of work to bring, it should be approximately the size of 10 banana boxes (for 8 participants). Please download the following technical drawing for reference:
However, we recommend that you bring more work than the required amount if possible, as not everyone is able to bring enough due to their travels.
2. Warm working clothes, made strictly out of natural fibers. Firing with synthetic clothes is dangerous as they can catch fire easily.
3. A dust mask with a respirator for the cleaning phase after the firing, and if you want to make your own glazes.
Workshop schedule:
Day 1 (10am – 6pm)
The group meets at 10am. There will be a short presentation of the kiln, the glazes, the glazing and wadding process, the firing process, and the overall organization of the firing. Afterwards, the group can start glazing their work.
Day 2 (9am – 6pm)
Glazing and wadding. Preparing firewood. Possibly start loading.
Day 3 (9am – 6pm)
Loading the kiln. Preparing firewood.
Day 4 (9am – 6pm)
Loading the kiln. Preparing firewood.
Day 5 & 6 & 7
Firing the kiln.
Day 8 & 9 & 10
The kiln cools down. No activities during these days.
Day 11
Unloading and cleaning the kiln. (It might take the whole day for unloading and cleaning, so if you plan to leave on this day, please do so after 5 or 6 pm.)
Language:
English
Price: 6100 DKK
The price includes: guidance, firewood, range of glazes and slips to choose from, wadding, working gloves and protective goggles, fire gloves, fire goggles, leather aprons and visors.
Meals and drinks:
Participants are responsible for providing their own meals. You are welcome to use the communal kitchen in the manor house. During the workshop, we will provide coffee and tea.
Accommodation during the Workshop:
It is possible to rent a room at Guldagergaard for 300 DKK per night (only if available).
Add on: Short-term Residency Option
Guldagergaard offers workshop participants the option to book a one or two-week residency before the workshop for an additional fee of 2500 DKK. This price includes access to studio facilities and accommodation for one week. It does not cover additional firings and materials.
For any questions regarding the workshop, or to reserve a short-term residency, please send an e-mail to: ana@ceramic.dk
