Ceramic Review: Masterclass with Jane White

Pit-firing ceramist Jane White takes us through her making processes, step-by-step. Discover more inside Ceramic Review issue 280, which features the full masterclass. You can order back issues of the magazine from ceramicreview.com.
Film by Harry Munday for Ceramic Review.

[@bassinbob1965]

UNBELIEVABLE!!! The amount of work involved seems well worth it. Some of the most beautiful work I have ever seen and every piece is a one of a kind. What incredible creativeness!

[@staceygrieff5018]

Hello, I am a high school ceramics teacher and I am currently teaching my students virtually. I had them watch your video and was wondering if you would be willing to answer some of the questions my students had about your work? What type of clay does she use, and how does she get it? What is her favorite type of organic material to use to create the best looking design? How long does each piece take - start to finish? Why does she prefer a pit firing vs. a regular kiln? Does she sell her work- if so, how much will a piece go for? They look forward to hearing back from you! Thank you and your work is gorgeous!!!

[@lucyjones3493]

What wonderful labor of dedication, perseverance and love in both, of you with each step of creating. I throughly enjoyed this!!! I’ve been a potter for many, many years and so respectful of your hard labor!! Thank you!

[@allisonjames2923]

Such stunning pieces. That large bowl particularly! And what a gorgeous place to live & work

[@medianexchanges]

watching you work my head is in the clouds of joy

[@margoprice7883]

What a lovely video! I loved the snapshots of the different techniques and can't wait to give pit firing a try.

[@galinadobrochasova7808]

when firing in the oven with wood, black stains on ceramics always turn out, I didn’t think that pottery can be made from this lack, bravo .. if you give this beautiful red color, my daughter did so-- she also sprinkled the pots with broken glass very small like sand, grains were baked on the surface and such a beautiful dew effect was obtained .. and I also do this by pressing the pieces of broken dishes with different patterns onto the surface of the raw clay, I get a mosaic, it bakes well and does not crack the product

[@h_aj133]

The location is stunning

[@johnorsborn751]

Pit firing has been around for centuries. In fact, many indigenous people used this technique.

[@kinkarobotina]

This is the life I dream of! Farming and ceramics.

[@jemmahughes-apps5691]

Me too!

[@luciaaranda1024]

Me too!

[@monkeybearmax]

What a nice studio

[@giusescr]

are you rich? This is the life that only the rich can do..unfortunately!!

[@baedb9716]

it's looks good but its heavy work.

[@PepaJimenez-e5y]

Felicidades Jane! Increíbles acabados! Después de un gran trabajo y muuucha experimentación, enhorabuena!

[@sciulliec]

Beautiful work and process!

[@chellegriggs]

Truly an amazing artist. She allows nature to add it's beauty to her pieces.

[@marcus3518]

Cobblers

[@potterylady44]

Beautiful work Jane!❤❤❤❤❤

[@trevormorred6913]

I’ve been a potter for 6 years, now I have seen the most beautiful Pots ever.

[@ellenmurphy2150]

Clay and the making of ceramics has always appealed to me.Thank you for this Masterclass video--very interesting and being out in the countryside too!

[@tomlederle1960]

i love this. I'm using a negative mold for a start to my hand shaped bowls etc. I see how you used a positive mold (inside the mold) and I can't get that to work without cracking as it shrinks. But I'm slowly learning. that's what I like about ceramics/clay, you never stop learning.

[@margaretlynch1494]

What beautiful results. What a beautiful way and place to live your life!

[@rjlawnz5105]

I was watching this thinking this lady is doing too much, but there is always a method to the madness. Her work came out beautifully!!

[@yaplukacrafter4638]

C'est un travail magnifique et exemplaire ! Quel bel environnement de travail et quelle magnifique créativité ! J'adore ! Je n'ose imaginer le prix d'une pièce compte tenu du temps passer pour la réalisée !!

[@freshimpactco.8698]

Some amazing results from extreme dedication towards your artwork. It's interesting how you have combined various techniques into your lovingly sculptured pottery. It is obviously art at it finest.... I have studied to some degree a number of African pottery styles and techniques from the various regions, perhaps a far fetch from the traditional technique of firing in Africa, however such beautiful and unique results.

[@JrayNels]

Incredible process and results

[@mariabalmont662]

Oh my goodness, your work is stunning, I love the process, and not knowing what you will find at the end. 😃

[@Steve-KJ]

Awesome! What a strong link up with raw materials!!

[@miklin6203]

I have followed several of the Ceramic review’s documentations of many great artist, on glazing techniques I must say Jane White provides the most artistic technique in the use of raw materials by minimal application control before and during the stoneware burning. The whole process of glazing and burning is a piece of art itself, the recovery of the final product reminds on the excavation of an archaeological site.

[@dacoole]

Fantastic Work Congratulations Jane !

[@ElmaHerrera-j2v]

Hola cuantas horas es la quema ococcion?

[@gioachimmartinez4532]

Hey there!. Jane thank u. Very much 4 sharing. Your knowledge with us. Specially when we aré in da 60's. 👍🎆🎉🏆👏👏👏👏

[@MrFavoritetools]

Very nice video,love it. Thanks for share your knowledges!!

[@jpgolan1944]

Beautiful! How hot does the fire in the pit get?

[@Joy35]

i didnt know what to expect but the colors are stunning

[@chrisw5353]

After the ash have been cleaned off, a fine crystal line wax is polished into the surface....... what’s the wax? Any one know where can buy it? Thank you for sharing, beautiful work!

[@ewaldjw]

crystalline wax. A cursory internet search came up with this site that explains it a little bit. You can also call them and ask. igiwax.com/microcrystalline-wax/

[@coopart1]

Lovely work, and video. Thanks for sharing!

[@denysephenix2349]

so much work but worth every minute. beautiful .

[@jojom3129]

Beautiful work

[@SMartypAntsPants]

Beautiful and inspiring. I'm going to try this, maybe not today, but one day. Thank you.

[@sunfun541]

Wooww amazing process, amazing result, you are ceramic fairy, so beautifull, thank you for sharing 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@TheCarrottTop]

She’s living my dream!

[@constantsqueezer]

Hi - Interested to know what clay body you use and also are the finished pots waterproof/ do the pots fire to stoneware temperature in the pit fire? I have access to plenty of wood so wold like to try some. I can get pots fired to bisque beforehand.

[@andreeghossein4758]

Wonderful video👍💐

[@ibrahemm9196]

I did NOT expect this result ,Beautiful

[@maryzamora6644]

the life i dream making what i love...wonderful results!!! thanks for showing!

[@Evolventity]

Amazing. I love the earthy feel of these!

[@BrenzerM]

I'm speechless, all of this, future goal

[@vespien2056]

Absolutely beautiful pieces.

[@skegbyguy]

Anyone have any idea what clay she is using? I really love her work, it is beautiful!

[@CeramicReviewmagazine]

Hello, this is what Jane says in the step-by-step Masterclass in Ceramic Review (which this video accompanies): 'I use Valentines’ Ashraf Hanna clay for making all but the largest pieces, which are made using T-Material.' If you need any further info, you can find Jane's Masterclass in issue 280 of the magazine - available to purchase on our website. Thanks!

[@АлександраХамзина-ц7щ]

ФантасТика)))природноеВолшебсТВ ООО......)))))

[@MishaFarhoumand]

what is the name of the coil extruder she used at the beginning?

[@createlovehappy]

So the red is from the copper you poured on? Is the black from the sawdust trapping carbon? These are beautiful. I’m trying to figure out how to be a potter while on the road. This firing method may allow me to do that. I would have to bisque fire them somehow as well though. Any ideas for me?

[@GreenWitch1]

What an idealistic setting! Beautiful pottery ❤️

[@simoneniemeijer8325]

Nice results! I was just wondering about safety: throwing coppercarbonate (very poisonous) over the pots. You are wearing a mask, but shortly after you continue working unprotected while I can see the wind blowing. And what about the soil? Doesn't this give heavy pollution?

[@venpeddapalli7189]

Oh -- You are one of those who takes fun out of activities and makes life miserable on purpose.

[@2shivika]

Stunning work

[@donnanancarrow4816]

Beautiful work !

[@duanelarson4251]

Wow, so earthy and impressive in it's result, thank you!

[@lelemacedoraku]

Muito didático ! Maravilhosa queima!, amazing results! Gorgeus works! Thank you so much to share

[@ellatmekunst]

Amazing! I love her work

[@bosvigos9165]

What stunning results!

[@renatagladysz7670]

What's the oven you're using?

[@maurad5378]

My favorite.

[@handmadepottery2135]

They all look lovely, and what a fantastic place for a studio.

[@TheDobleQ]

She’s onto something ❤

[@sirishab8347]

Can d ceramic pots put directly into pit fire than doing baking in a kiln first???

[@maureenbands6715]

Beautiful. So much work, but just beautiful.

[@gnarbeljo8980]

Lovely work! I've not done this since art school so correct me if I'm wrong, but adding salt produces a highly toxic gas, and isn't recommended if you're trying this technique out and care about your lungs and the environment. I remember using dried banana peels, but can't remember what effects it had, anyone know?

[@francoisematt]

WOW thats the best i have seen WILD AND BEAUTIFUL

[@rositazamudio8236]

hermoso!! trabajo...me alucina.felicitaciones desde Stgo de Chile

[@denysephenix2349]

she lives in paradise, ducks and all . wonderful video

[@yusra3558]

Absolutely stunning!

[@meredithpottery]

Just stunning. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@aishamohammed7406]

So beautiful.loved every step. Where are the masterclasses ? I would love to attend , thanks for sharing

[@denaredford6701]

Wow ,so spectacular in the glazing colors .

[@Anna-qs5bt]

Unique indeed!

[@debifrancis2962]

Stunning

[@Gildete257]

Pieces of pure art

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Great video! Does anyone know who does pit firing if placing the organic material on the shavings before setting the pots in would result in any distinct difference?

[@Aleph-Noll]

you would have most of the color on the bottom then

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Thank you!

[@slkermik2184]

Amazing work!!!

[@GOLDSMITHEXILE]

am I right in thinking this is a "poor mans" way of achieving those randome and unpredictable aganama wood ash effects, without needing to burn 14 tons of wood over a 10 day period? I've watched a few of these where they used organic substance to get different colours,but this is one of the best. (Non potter viewer)

[@tinakaah7060]

Incredible! 😍😍😍

[@bon47ful]

Fascinating video! Thank you. ❤️

[@shojabaig4944]

hi your pot is very beautiful thanks for your video

[@luciaaranda1024]

Amazing! Congratulations!

[@inin6384]

I love the whole combined,,, nature is indeed an amazing creation

[@stefanbeltlaut]

Really wonderful! 🧚🏼‍♂️🧚🏼‍♀️🧚🏼‍♂️

[@kellyfrost1052]

Very hard to read white notes against the background.

[@ursilysser4398]

This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing

[@tishsmiddy71]

Thank you 😊 for sharing lovely

[@bigbenano]

The last vase looks more like marble than ceramic, amazing!

[@javierherranz2635]

Felicidades Hermoso trabajo.

[@katanyajason3316]

These are so beautiful!

[@lynnann96]

I might have asked this already, if so, forgive? Are these pieces bisqued? Or just bone dry?

[@allazeebee9967]

Yes they are bisqued

[@lisatewhango621]

Amazing, I love it

[@廖洲新]

Perfect !

[@meltemezer9995]

Şahane. Ellerinize sağlık.Cok güzeller. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤

[@everibarra3082]

Iam in love with your work. Amazing, Congratulation. xoxo Puerto RIco

[@simonvaaalonzo3247]

Beautiful nice job

[@pereiraheloisa6280]

Congratulations!! So beautiful!!

[@banyenzakiivat3655]

Hlooo mng There is a limitation of tools

[@ghislainecamper9790]

une technique magnifique pour un résultat surprenant de beauté et d'harmonie BRAVO. Je voudrais trouver en France un endroit (dans le midi de préférence) où il est possible de cuire suivant cette méthode "surréaliste".

[@Masood1810]

She got the pattern of marble! I think she should start making bespoke tiles for walls or floors. This is just beautiful.

[@kadensmike8190]

This is a pleasant collection of clips from a ceramicists working life - it isn't a masterclass!!

[@treesart6914]

Omg it's so quiet there! Wow.