Frequently Asked Questions
What is wood fired pottery?
As the name implies, the fuel source for this type of firing is wood. Temperatures during firing reach a range of 2300-2500ºF, making the clay strong and watertight. The heat, vapors, and ash from the burning wood add color and texture to both the unglazed (raw) clay body and glazed wares. Results are somewhat unpredictable due to the innumerable variables in the wood and the labor of introducing the wood by hand.
What is the difference between wood firing and electric firing?
Electric firing provides an oxidized, controlled environment with the ease of flipping a switch to produce wares. Wood firing provides a reductive, unpredictable environment requiring ongoing labor and attention to produce unique, organic, one-of-a-kind pieces.
How can I buy your products?
Wood Fired Pottery is open year-round by appointment as a member of the Loudoun County Artisan Trail. In addition, the studio participates in local events including the Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour, Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival, and our Annual Holiday Sale in December. Stockists include Roots 657 Café & Local Market.
What forms of payment do you accept? We accept traditional payment by cash, check, or credit card. We also accept digital forms of payment including: PayPal (@shawnmgrove) and Venmo (@Shawn-Grove-5).
How do I care for my purchase?
Wood fired pottery is dishwasher and microwave safe, but are not intended for the range or oven. Pieces can be used in the kitchen for food prep, storage, serving, and eating/drinking. Exercise care when hand washing to avoid breakage.
Can I buy a matching set?
Each wood fired piece is unique and organic. Sets of similar size and appearance can be purchased, but because each piece is made and fired by hand, exact matches are not available.
Do you do commissions?
Commissions are considered by appointment. Due to the nature of the wood fired
process, consideration must be given to feasibility and cost.
Do you offer classes?
Shawn currently teaches classes locally at Round Hill Arts Center in Loudoun County. Available classes include wheel throwing, hand building, and wood firing instruction. Classes are not offered on site.
Do you accept students?
Individuals interested in learning more about Wood Fired Pottery and ceramics should make an appointment.
What type/style kiln do you have?
Wood Fired Pottery uses a single chamber catenary arch kiln with a modified bury (fire) box. This type of kiln is similar to the climbing style kilns used in Japan. The bury (fire) box was commonly used in English pottery.
What type of clay do you use?
High-fired stoneware and porcelain clay bodies are used. On occasion, local clay bodies are used to experiment with the development of new forms and glazes.
What type of glaze do you use?
A variety of different glazes are used including traditional high-fired glazes such as celadon, tenmoku, and alkaline style glazes of the Carolinas. Some pieces remain unglazed to retain the natural wood ash effects from the firing.
During the firing salt can be added at temperatures beginning around 2100°F. The salt melts and then vaporizes, breaking down into sodium and chloride. This process melts the silica on the unglazed surfaces of the pot. The sodium and silica bind together to form a glaze that often has a rich texture referred to as “orange peel”.
What type of wood do you use?
The kiln requires two cords of wood and 37 hours to fire 200 pots. Oak and poplar are
collected by hand, cut, stacked, and left to dry for 6 months to ensure a productive kiln
environment. At times, pine is used to quickly obtain high heat levels.
For any further questions, please feel free to contact us.