Joy Imai has been a potter for 35 years. After many years of raku firing pieces, she has returned to her original study of soda firing. This now makes the outcome of her teapots and mugs a surprise even to her.
I spray a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water into a hot kiln, and the high heat causes the solution to break down into sodium vapor and carbon dioxide. The sodium vapor combines with elements in the clay and forms an “orange peel” textured glaze on the surface. The vapors follow the flame circulation in the kiln and “flashing” occurs on the pots. I like the unique way the firing process is recorded on each pot.