Pit Fire Workshop with Josh Herman

This three-part workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to pit firing—a traditional method of firing ceramics using open flame and natural materials to create unique surface finishes without glaze. The flame itself, along with materials like sawdust, copper, and salt, interacts directly with the clay body to produce earthy tones, smoke patterns, and unpredictable markings.

Over the first two workshop days, we’ll focus on creating forms that are suitable for pit firing—designed to handle thermal shock and the dynamic effects of fire. You’ll also learn how to make and apply terra sigillata, a fine slip that enhances the clay surface and interacts beautifully in the pit. Instruction will cover how to achieve dynamic visual results using layered materials and thoughtful pit packing.

Josh will demonstrate his “upside-down” throwing technique, a playful and unconventional method that encourages students to move beyond habitual throwing habits and explore new structural possibilities. This course is open to both wheel-throwing and hand-building students with some prior experience. It is considered an intermediate-level workshop.

The firing will take place one week after the initial two workshop days, when our team will meet you at the beach with your bisque-fired work. Together, we’ll build and load the pit, fire the work, and later uncover and clean the fired pieces. Pit firing is a communal, hands-on process that blends unpredictability with tradition, and it’s always an exciting and memorable part of the ceramics journey.

Students are welcome to bring a friend or loved one to the beach firing to witness the process and share in the excitement of revealing finished work. You’re also encouraged to bring food—this final gathering often becomes a casual and celebratory moment shared with the class and community.

Level: Intermediate

Prerequisite: Some prior experience is necessary. Open to beginner skill levels. Open to Hand-building and Throwing practices.

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Tools & Materials: We provide clay, glaze, sponges, buckets, and storage for students enrolled in this class. Please note that tools are not included—students are required to bring their own.

We recommend bringing your preferred tools for throwing or hand-building, as this course is open to both approaches. A throwing demonstration will be offered for those with prior wheel experience who would like to participate.

A curated selection of our favorite tools, as well as beginner tool kits for throwing and hand-building, are available for purchase in our on-site shop.

Firing: The class fee includes bisque and pit firing for up to 5 pieces, each with a maximum dimension of 12 inches. These size limitations are necessary due to the scale of the pit.

Studio Access: All work can be completed during the workshop hours and no access is available outside of the workshop hours.

*Please note: The studio is occasionally closed for events. Be sure to check our studio calendar online for any updates or closures affecting open hours.

We reserve the right to cancel the class due to low enrollment or for other necessary reasons.

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Tools & Materials: We provide all the clay, glaze, and tools needed for this introductory course. A selection of our favorite tools are also available for purchase in our on-site shop.

Firing: The course fee includes firing for 5 pieces, a limitation set by the size of the Firing Pit.

Studio Access: This is a one-time workshop with no studio access outside of the scheduled class.

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We reserve the right to cancel the class due to low enrollment or for other necessary reasons.

Cancellation Policy:

Please note that all registrations are final, and we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations.

Missed Classes:

We do not offer refunds or make-up classes. If you need to miss a class, our staff will do their best to help you catch up during the next session or open studio hours.

Questions? Email info@taoofclay.com.