Sustainable Ceramics
ABOUT
Sustainable Ceramics is a collaboration between Dr David Kirkland (PhD Geology), and Helen Shaddock (Master Fine Arts). Sustainable Ceramics make unique bird boxes inspired by, and ‘showcasing’, the materials they are made from.
THE STORY
In 2018 David acquired a 4 acre woodland in the heart of Northumberland that sits on a thick bed of yellow and grey glacial clay. He test-fired a small clay sample and was surprised to discover that it could be fired to stoneware temperature (1250C) without deforming. He felt a desire to make, and share, functional ceramics objects from this clay with as little impact on the environment as possible, hence the formation of Sustainable Ceramics.
THE PROCESS
At present, the majority of the making work is done from David's home studio in Newcastle, but he is currently creating low-impact ceramic making facilities outdoors in the wood. This includes hand or foot powered machines, and a large stoneware kiln that will accommodate objects 1.5m by 1.5m in size. These will be fired using spruce wood from the land which is currently being felled to replant with broadleaves.
The bird box making process is as follows
1. 12,000 year old clay is dug from the woodland near Chollerford.
2. The clay is dried and washed so it becomes a cream-like consistency.
3. This liquid is then sieved to removed roots and stones.
4. The liquid clay is then dried to the right consistency for throwing on a wheel.
5. The boxes are unique designs, made to RSPB specifications for a range of common garden species.
6. A removable hatch allows for cleaning out after nesting season.
7. Rocks (currently, granite from Cheviot and dolerite from near Hadrians Wall) are collected to use in making glazes.
8. Rocks are crushed with a hammer, grinded in a ball mill, and then sieved them to produce flour sized grains.
9. The rock flour is then mixed with wood ash, clay, and water to make a glaze.
10. Once the glaze is applied, the bird boxes are fired to stoneware temperature, making them frost-proof (they will outlast the tree they are attached to!)
Sustainable Ceramics is a collaboration between Dr David Kirkland (PhD Geology), and Helen Shaddock (Master Fine Arts). Sustainable Ceramics make unique bird boxes inspired by, and ‘showcasing’, the materials they are made from.
THE STORY
In 2018 David acquired a 4 acre woodland in the heart of Northumberland that sits on a thick bed of yellow and grey glacial clay. He test-fired a small clay sample and was surprised to discover that it could be fired to stoneware temperature (1250C) without deforming. He felt a desire to make, and share, functional ceramics objects from this clay with as little impact on the environment as possible, hence the formation of Sustainable Ceramics.
THE PROCESS
At present, the majority of the making work is done from David's home studio in Newcastle, but he is currently creating low-impact ceramic making facilities outdoors in the wood. This includes hand or foot powered machines, and a large stoneware kiln that will accommodate objects 1.5m by 1.5m in size. These will be fired using spruce wood from the land which is currently being felled to replant with broadleaves.
The bird box making process is as follows
1. 12,000 year old clay is dug from the woodland near Chollerford.
2. The clay is dried and washed so it becomes a cream-like consistency.
3. This liquid is then sieved to removed roots and stones.
4. The liquid clay is then dried to the right consistency for throwing on a wheel.
5. The boxes are unique designs, made to RSPB specifications for a range of common garden species.
6. A removable hatch allows for cleaning out after nesting season.
7. Rocks (currently, granite from Cheviot and dolerite from near Hadrians Wall) are collected to use in making glazes.
8. Rocks are crushed with a hammer, grinded in a ball mill, and then sieved them to produce flour sized grains.
9. The rock flour is then mixed with wood ash, clay, and water to make a glaze.
10. Once the glaze is applied, the bird boxes are fired to stoneware temperature, making them frost-proof (they will outlast the tree they are attached to!)