Wood firing at the Quarry is a tradition that began at the very start
Currently on site is the Manawa Wood Kiln and Phoenix Wood Kiln with firings happening regularly through the wood firing season.
The Quarry has 3 electric kilns that are available to the community for firings.
Raku and Pit Firing also take place here at the Quarry.
Wood-Fired Kilns
Manawa Wood Kiln
The Manawa Wood Kiln was built in 2015. It is the third iteration in this spot. This kiln is fired once a year to 1300 degrees, high stoneware, as a community firing, centred around Punaga/Matariki.
Quarry House Glazes, team effort, lower fee to support more community into wood-firing.
36 hour firing time means that the community come together to work shifts and something cutesy.
Phoenix Soda Wood Kiln
The Phoenix is a fast fire kiln fired regularly through firing season. It has specifically been designed for soda to be introduced during the firing, creating an interesting glazing result.
Workshops available as well as community firings.
Dedicated team of Leaders that make this happen.
Keep an eye on workshops for upcoming Phoenix firings or make contact to privately book the Phoenix wood kiln.
Electric Kilns
The quarry has 3 electric kilns on site, with community firings happening regularly.
Bisque, Cone 04-06 and Cone 5-6 firings are available by minimum ¼ shelf.
Electric kiln firings are designed to work best with glazes that we have in stock in the Art Supplies shop.
For those with larger bodies of work, private bookings may be available, please contact here.
Raku kiln and Pit Firings
Both Raku and Pit Firing workshops are available at the Quarry, keep an eye on Workshops page or make enquiries for a group booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of firings are on offer?
Bisque – 900°
Low fire glaze – 1060°
High fire glaze – 1200°
How often do the firings happen?
Kiln firings do not happen on fixed days and instead wait for a full kiln before firing starts. Turnaround time varies depending on the work coming in, which occasionally can take up to a month. Generally, firings are often ready in 14 working days. This process will not be rushed for any artist, so plan ahead for your work.
How do I prepare my work for firing?
All work is required to have the following:
- Clear description of the works and the number of pieces
- List types of glaze used and recommended temperature/cone.
- List types of clay/brand used
- Potters mark/initials underneath each work.
- Each piece is bone dry, with NO glaze underneath (glaze underneath will damage the kiln shelving and the repair will be charged to the artist ($70 for clean up, $200 for shelf replacement).
- Take a photo of work for easy collection.
How do I handover work for firing and what is the process?
- Bring your pieces to the Quarry Office, on a Monday or Tuesday.
- Read, fill in and sign in the required forms.
- Take a photo of your work.
- Take your form and pieces to the kiln to give to the kiln staff. Please hand these over personally before you leave site.
What costs are involved?
Cost of firing is determined by shelf size and temperature of firing.
Each kiln shelf is 45cm x 60cm (4 x A4 pieces of paper)
Objects up to 10cm
Bisque = $24 per shelf (1/4 shelf = $6)
Low and High Glaze = $36 (1/4 shelf = $9)
Objects over 10cm – Price doubles
Final cost will be determined by kiln staff and is to be paid when the work is handed in.
Damage to kiln: It is the artist’s responsibility to make sure the work does not damage the kiln shelves. If damage to the shelf occurs, the artist will be liable to pay for the damage ($70 for clean-up, $200 for shelf replacement).
What are other things to be mindful of?
- All care and no responsibility is taken by the Quarry Arts Centre for lost and damaged work.
- If for any reason the Kiln Staff deem your work unsuitable for the kiln you will be notified to collect it.
- Your work must be collected within 10 days of being contacted. After two weeks the items are removed to outside storage.
For further details please contact the Shop on (09) 438 1215 or email admin@quarryarts.org
