Driving Creek workshops

Phoenix Kiln Demolition and Rebuild Workshop with Duncan Shearer

Driving Creek Pottery’s Baseyard Phoenix kiln has reached the end of its
current iteration.

Come and be part of the deconstruction and the rise from the ashes of the new iteration of the Baseyard Phoenix V2.

This is an awesome opportunity to learn about wood fired kiln construction and deconstruction from Duncan Shearer, one of the experts in the field in New Zealand. Duncan lives and works at Rahu Road Pottery near the Karangahake Gorge where he uses his vast knowledge to teach with his partner and fellow potter Charade Honey. He also consults on a range of pottery subjects including kiln construction.

The workshop will be done in two parts:

1: July 3rd to July 5th

Deconstruction – Three days under the expert ministrations of Duncan Shearer Master Kiln Builder.

We will be stopping to measure, take photos and notes, and to analyse where the bricks have deteriorated the most to determine what needs to be done when rebuilding. We will also be cleaning and sorting the bricks for reuse, and will be using angle grinders, cup grinder disks, rubbing stones, PPE etc.

2: July 8th to July 15th

Rise From The Ashes – 8 days led by Duncan again.

Start at the bottom and work upwards to the chimney, brick by brick. There are two arches involved so plenty to learn about and lots of opportunity to do all the jobs involved. Range of tasks that can be done include mixing mortars, moving bricks, arch former building, steel prep, brick laying, measure checking, brick cutting, etc.

Find out more and register

Waikato Potters events

2-23 June: Friday evening Introduction to Pottery class
10 June: Jewellery Making with Porcelain
25 June: Watercolours on Pottery
1-2 July: Head Studies with Javier Murcia
8-9 July: Simplified Figure Studies with Javier Murcia