Collection: Cosmic Pit-Fired Collection

Why You'll Love Them!

• Unique, handmade, one-of-a-kind vases
• Elevate the atmosphere of your surroundings
• Bring the cosmos into your home
• Enjoy rotating these sculptural vases to see something new in them everyday

How They're Made

These pots get their unique surface effects and markings from the process of the pit-firing.  The pots are first coated in a fine particle slip called terra sigillata and burnished to a silky smooth before undergoing an initial bisque firing.  This firing hardens the clay into ceramic, but the ware does not become water tight.  Traditionally, a pit is dug into the ground, but I built an above ground "pit" for my purposes.

A layer of sawdust is spread into the pit and then the ware is placed on top of that along with organic materials (banana peels, coffee grounds, salt, avocado pits, etc.) for mysterious effects-- some things work better than others, and experimenting is key!  Wood is stacked on top of the pots and serves as the fuel for the fire.  After the wood all burns away, the pit is covered to smolder over night. 

Because the pots are still porous, the surfaces absorb the smoke and various elements present in the atmosphere.  This is how the unique, magical surfaces are painted onto the pots.

*Due to the process, these vases are not food safe or water tight. 

Care

Dust clean.  To remove any spots or smudges, wipe with a damp cloth.