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The Process
Loretta Languet creates a variety of fine hand crafted stoneware pottery. Most items are intended for everyday use; mugs, bowls, plates, pitchers while still others are intended for special occasions, cream and sugar sets, cups and saucers, teapots and serving vessels. All pottery is completely functional (dishwasher and microwave safe) and designed with intent of complete comfort of use. The pottery is first thrown on the potter’s wheel. While the pots are still wet they are decorated with different atmospheric slips designed to utilize the fires unique effects. The pots are glazed in a variety of colors and patterns and then loaded into kiln. Salt Firing (Please note The Salt Kiln was retired in 2017 and inventory is limited. Loretta is not taking custom orders for this type of work at this time) Salt firing dates back to 15th century Germany, where potters discovered that throwing quantities of common table salt in the kiln at high temperatures caused a chemical reaction with the clay, forming an attractive brown natural glaze. Loretta Languets’ pottery undergoes a multi step process. The first step is the bisque firing, in which dried pots are put into an electric kiln and brought to temperature of 1800 degrees F. When cooled glazes are applied. The pots are then fired again in a propane fueled salt kiln, to a temperature of over 2300 degrees F. The salt kiln is heated with two powerful burners. Salting happens in several increments beginning at approximately 2100 degrees F. Two to four pounds of salt are put into the kiln at one time. The salt vaporizes in the kiln. The damper is closed down for several minutes to keep the sodium vapors in the kiln. Then the damper is opened until the kiln atmosphere clears. This process is repeated several times until the quality of glaze is right. Much of the of the glaze process happens within the hot kiln so colors may vary slightly. Salt firing can be extremely unpredictable and destructive. However, it is this element of surprise and unpredictability that potters find so rewarding. Aside from the natural warm browns that firing with salt produces, unexpected colors and marks often appear as if by magic, with striking results. It is these effects, these gifts from the kiln, which make salt firing so endlessly compelling. The results are one of a kind pieces that unify the mark of the artist and the process of creation. |
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Publications• 500 Plates and Chargers
• 500 Prints on Clay |