Woodfire Kilns for Beginners
WOODFIRE KILNS - FOR BEGINNERS (OR YOUR FIRST WOODFIRE KILN)
Join renowned ceramic artist Owen Rye for an in-depth, hands-on exploration of woodfired kilns. A series of illustrated talks will concentrate on kilns suitable for beginners, kiln designs that are straightforward to build and relatively easy to fire. Using such kilns will build up knowledge about the process of firing with wood that can be used in more sophisticated or difficult kilns.
Owen has been at the forefront of Australia's woodfire movement for over four decades, and has designed and built more than 50 kilns since building his first in 1963. This includes many gas fired kilns as woodfired. He is the author of The Art of Woodfire (2011), widely regarded as one of the definitive texts on the subject, and has taught and exhibited internationally. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the most experienced kiln builders and wood-firers working today.
📍 Location: Montsalvat, 7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham — The White Cottage, then Clay Talk
📅 Date: Saturday 24 October only 🕛 Time: 10am – 4pm
On the day:
- 10am — Meet at Clay Talk; an hour or so looking at the kilns on site, including some of the pots fired in them
- 11am — PowerPoint presentation, part one (1 hour)
- 12pm — Lunch break (1 hour). Bring your own; tea and coffee provided
- 1pm — PowerPoint presentation, parts two and three (2 hours, with a short break in between)
- Final session — Questions and discussion, time permitting
- 4pm — Finish
Topics covered:
- Illustrated talk and presentation on wood kiln design — principles behind different kiln types and how design shapes the finished work
- Design considerations — draft, chamber shape, flue placement and how each affects heat and flame path
- Activating a kiln build — a practical look at construction techniques and materials
- A study of the Montsalvat Salt Woodfire Kiln — using our own kiln on site as a live case study
- Illustrated talk on firing woodfired kilns — stoking, atmosphere and reduction, and how stacking influences ash deposits and surface
- Questions and discussion
About Owen Rye
Owen Rye is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics and a Life Member of the Australian Ceramics Association.
He has given many workshops in Australia, USA, Germany, Korea and China.
He is known internationally for being at the forefront of the contemporary woodfiring movement. Through his artwork, his writing and teaching, many ceramic artists have been inspired to follow the woodfirer's path.
He has exhibited in Australia and internationally, and is represented in public collections in USA, China, Korea, Germany, France, and many Australian collections including the Australian National Gallery, most state and many regional galleries, and in private collections.
His extensive writing has been published in many ceramics magazines around the world, and he is author of five books including The Art of Woodfire, and his memoir, Beyond Short Street.
Bookings Essential – Limited Spots Available For more information email Sergei at claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Details
You will learn
- Meet and learn from Owen Rye
- Designing, building, stacking & firing wood kilns!
- An amazing opportunity to pick Owen's brains and stories on his life and experiences as woodfire potter & maker.
You will get
- Learn everyhting about wood firing and wood kilns from Australia's longest serving ceramic PhD practitioner
Appropriate for
Anyone who loves Owen Rye's work and wants to learn about aspects to making and packing pieces for a woodfire kiln
Preparation
What to bring
- Bring your own packed lunch, water, hat & sunblock
- Owen will bring some of his books and pots to sell direct!
What to wear
Casual - its a day out!
Your Teacher
About Owen Rye
Owen Rye is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics and a Life Member of the Australian Ceramics Association.
He has given many workshops in Australia, USA, Germany, Korea and China.
He is known internationally for being at the forefront of the contemporary woodfiring movement. Through his artwork, his writing and teaching, many ceramic artists have been inspired to follow the woodfirer's path.
He has exhibited in Australia and internationally- and is represented in public collections in USA, China, Korea, Germany, France, and many Australian collections including the Australian National Gallery, most state and many regional galleries, and in private collections.
His extensive writing has been published in many ceramics magazines around the world, and he is author of five books including The Art of Woodfire, and his memoir, Beyond Short Street.
Organized by
Montsalvat Arts Education
1297 reviewsNestled within Montsalvat—Australia’s oldest continuously active artists' community—our studios offer a diverse range of creative outlets. Clay Talk is one of several studios, providing ceramics classes in wheel throwing and hand building for all levels, alongside specialised programs led by established artists.
In addition to ceramics, we also offer classes in drawing, painting, and mosaic, with an expanded repertoire of educational offerings planned for 2025. This dynamic environment supports learners across various disciplines, all within the inspiring setting of Montsalvat, where art is created, taught, exhibited, and experienced.
Pottery is one of the best art activities for stress relief.
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Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a transfer or credit note.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
You may cancel anytime before class starts and claim a full refund or transfer or credit note.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
These Terms and Conditions apply to all Montsalvat Arts Education programs, including term classes, workshops, short courses, and special events such as the Fire & Clay Festival.
Bookings & Payments
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
All bookings must be made through our online portal:www.claytalk.weteachme.com
Payments are accepted exclusively through this platform.
Places are limited and cannot be held without payment.
Access to Clay Talk & Other Montsalvat Arts Education Studios & facilities
Montsalvat Arts Education coordinates all art programs located on the grounds of Montsalvat. For safety and security, access is restricted to enrolled participants.
Upon booking, you will receive an Information Kit outlining access procedures.
Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure safe entry to studio spaces relevant to your program.
Refunds, Absences & Transfers
We do not offer refunds for change of mind after booking.
Transfers may be requested, subject to availability and approval.
Please ensure you can commit to the scheduled dates and times before booking.
Refund Requests (Before Program
Commencement)
Refunds prior to program
commencement will only be considered under exceptional personal circumstances, such
as the loss of an immediate family member, and are subject to management discretion
and approval. Where a refund is approved, a 4% administration fee will be deducted
from the total amount paid.
Missed Classes or Sessions
Requests for alternative arrangements must be made within five (5) working days of a missed session by emailing:claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Retrospective requests will not be accepted.
Studio access sessions are not considered make-up classes.
Cancellation by Montsalvat Arts Education
Montsalvat Arts Education reserves the right to cancel programs due to unforeseen circumstances, including insufficient enrolments. In such cases, participants will be notified and provided with a pro-rata refund.
Illness & Medical Absence
If you are unable to attend due to illness:
Please notify us as soon as possible by emailing:claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Where applicable, alternative arrangements, credit, or a pro-rata refund (less an 8% administration fee) may be offered at our discretion.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are available exclusively through:www.claytalk.weteachme.com
Minimum value: $20
Valid for three (3) years from purchase
Redeemable only for Clay Talk programs via the online portal
Not redeemable for cash and non-transferable
Gift vouchers are intended to support your creative learning and artistic development.
Firing of Work – Clay Talk Term Classes Only
Many workshops and classes include firing and glazing of a specified number of pieces. Please refer to individual course listings for details.
General Requirements
All work must be clearly labelled with the name used for booking.
We take great care with all work; however, ceramics involves inherent risks.
Clay Talk cannot guarantee successful firing outcomes and accepts no liability for breakage, cracking, or firing faults.
Clay Talk Term Classes – Firing Conditions
For most term classes:
Up to 10kg of finished work per student is included in fees
Additional firing will incur extra charges
All pieces must be labelled with your Maker’s Mark(Initials + Class Code, e.g. John Adam Smith = JAS)
Unmarked work will not be fired.
Damage of pieces in Clay Talk only
Damage caused by inappropriate clay bodies or glazes may result in replacement costs for kiln shelves.
Significant kiln damage may incur additional repair fees, assessed by the Studio Coordinator.
Fire & Clay Festival – Work & Firings
For Fire & Clay Festival participants:
Firing allocations and work limits are outlined in your festival registration pack.
All work must be labelled clearly and handled in accordance with staff instructions.
Due to the experimental nature of atmospheric and wood firings, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Collection of Work
Processing, firing, glazing, and packaging typically takes 2–4 weeks after program completion.
You will be notified by email when work is ready for collection.
Work must be collected within one (1) month of notification.
Uncollected work, materials, or tools may be disposed of or donated to Clay Talk fundraising initiatives after this period.
Contact
For all enquiries relating to bookings, attendance, or policies, please contact:
\U0001F4E7 claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
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Woodfire Kilns for Beginners
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