This piece is pit fired, rather than fired in a modern pottery kiln. Each piece is thrown then the surface of the clay is burnished using a fine slip called Terra sigillata. The pottery is loaded into a huge pit dug into the ground and covered with combustibles like salt, corn husks, sawdust, and pine needles. The entire pit is covered in firewood, lit, and covered. All of the colors on the piece are created from ash, smoke, and vapors of burning materials. There is no glaze on this piece--everything comes from the fumes produced during the firing.
The vibrant piece will make a striking addition to your personal art collection, displayed wherever you wish to make a bold statement.
Please note that pit-fired pieces are low-fired, remain porous, and are decorative pieces ONLY. They are not food safe and may not be watertight. To clean, hand wash with water or wipe with a damp cloth.
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Christina Young started her pottery journey at the age of 8, when she was enrolled in the mudslinging summer day camps at Washington Heights Arts Center. She continued at every opportunity, acting as a camp assistant at the age of 14 while continuing to take classes. When she was 16, she was able to begin classes on the wheel. After a brief break during college, she returned to classes at Washington Heights for years until the pandemic pushed her to start a home studio. She still attends workshops and raku and pit firings at Washington Heights, while maintaining her own studio.
Christina's pottery can be found at stores both in Denver and Fort Collins. Her website is: etsy.com/shop/pawprintspotteryco.
