Creating functional pottery or ceramic sculpture takes into consideration how the piece will look and function after the final firing.

 

Some firing methods require glaze to vitrify (melt into glass) the clay body making it more durable and able to hold liquids.

​

Other firings produce coloration from minerals and chemicals combined with fire and heat that allow colors to adhere to the clay. ​ Explore the following pages for more information about: Wood Firing, Salt Firing, Alternative Firings including: Clay Saggar, Foil Saggar, and Smoke Firing.