Intention in Form
:
Glaze, Surface, & Atmospheric Soda Firing
with Samuel Newman
This three-day immersive workshop explores the complete cycle of cone 10 soda firing. Participants will glaze, wad, load, fire, unload, and analyze a downdraft soda kiln while developing an understanding of atmospheric firing processes, glaze strategy, and surface analysis.
Dates: July 17, 18, and 20, 2026
Host: Guenola Lefeuvre
Location: Portland Pottery Studio, Portland Maine and Textured Porcelain Studio, Yarmouth, Maine
Kiln: 18 cubic foot downdraft hard/soft brick soda kiln (Cone 10)
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Age: 21+
$495
Overview:
Step into an immersive, hands-on soda firing experience designed to deepen your understanding and elevate your ceramic practice. Before we even step into the workshop, you’ll join a live Zoom session with Samuel and fellow participants to set the stage—exploring glaze palettes, clay body choices, and the essential phases of firing. This is your chance to build confidence, learn the language of atmospheric firing, and come prepared with clarity and excitement for what’s ahead.
Day 1 welcomes you into the glaze room at Portland Pottery Studio with an engaging mix of demonstrations, discussion, and making. You’ll learn how to use a spray booth to apply glaze evenly and efficiently, building smooth, controlled layers that enhance surface depth and atmospheric effects. Through guided demos and practice, you’ll gain confidence adjusting spray techniques to suit different forms, achieving consistent, professional-quality finishes. You’ll explore kiln zones, flame paths, and how to align your glaze and surface choices for the most dynamic results. From surface preparation to wadding and glazing, every step is guided and intentional. The day builds toward the collaborative loading of the kiln, where strategy meets creativity and each piece finds its place in the firing story.
Day 2 is where the magic happens. You’ll take part in a full firing cycle, adjusting air and fuel, tracking temperature, and witnessing the transformation inside the kiln. As soda is introduced and surfaces begin to develop, you’ll gain real-time insight into cause and effect in atmospheric firing. Alongside the firing, enjoy a throwing demonstration that highlights forms designed specifically for these rich, unpredictable environments.
Day 3, we’ll let the kiln cool, while you have a free day to explore Maine. If interested, Samuel will be doing a workshop at Portland Pottery (see link).
Day 4, the kiln will be opened and the results revealed. Together, you’ll analyze surfaces, share discoveries, and uncover the subtle relationships between flame, soda, and form. The workshop closes with practical cold-working techniques, an inspiring artist talk, and time to connect as a creative community. You’ll leave not only with new skills and knowledge, but also with a deeper appreciation for the process and a renewed sense of excitement for your work.
What’s Included
3 days of hands-on lessons
Participation in loading, firing, and unloading the kiln
Demos: throwing, altering, trimming, and handle-making
Glaze strategy using workshop recipes
Surface techniques for flashing, soda effects, and glaze results
How to build and use a spray booth (materials list included)
Personalized feedback and troubleshooting
Lunches and basic beverages (dinners not included)
Basic Protective gear: Gloves (Note: We have extra kiln glasses, but feel free to bring your preferred glasses, if desired)
What to Bring (not included)
Protective gear: kiln glasses, face respirator
Additional snacks and beverages
10 to 15 bisque-fired (to Cone 06) pots suitable for soda firing to Cone 10
Sizes: 1”–10”
Bowls up to 8” diameter
Plates discouraged (unless stack-able with max 3 with wads)
Please bring tiny pieces to act as filler