Wood Fired Ceramics

To catch up the global wave of “Wood-fired Ceramics”, wood-firing kiln studios are springing up all over Taiwan. Building a personal kiln for wood-fired ceramics as a trend of LOHAS has became more appealing. many people aspire to wood-fired ceramic art has no opportunity to actually build a kiln … Luckily, people can have their dreams come true here in Miaoli. Miaoli is not only where most traditional kilns can be found, but also the center of modern kilns. To carry forward this tradition, “Zhunan Local Culture Hall for Snake Kiln”, “Miaoli Wood-fired Ceramics Association” and “Asia-Pacific Institute of Creativity” organize “The 2nd National Wood-fried Ceramics Kiln Building Contest”. College teachers and students and wood-firing ceramic art-loving public are welcome to team up to participate in this event.for further details, contact Zhunan Snake Kiln TEL: 037-624473【Information】 (1)   College teachers, students and woodfired ceramics lovers are all welcomed. Contestants should form a team of 5~8 members, including a captain. No substitute is allowed; violators are liable to disqualification.(2) each team has to pay entry fee 8,000 NT$ and another 8,000 NT$ as guarantee(Guarantee will be returned after contest, unless contestants are found to violate any rule, especially vandalism). (3) The host will provide: “Kiln-building materials” : brick (21×10×6cm) 1500 pcs, insulating brick (23×11.5×6.5cm) 200 pcs,kiln shelves 3pcs, posts 12 pcs.“Firing woods”: 1.5 t. “other equipments”: tents 2 pcs, table 1pcs, stools 2 pcs. (4) Contestants can bring their own instrument, e.g. saw, bucket, gloves, spatula, mold. ＊    For the sake of fairness, contestants cannot bring extra “Kiln-building materials” and “Firing woods”. (5) The host will provide a total of 20 green-wares of ocarina, cups bowls etc. After the contest, contestants can either bring the products back or sell them on the spot. Firing green-wares of your own is also allowed. (6) Contestants should finish kiln-building and firing within 55 hrs. therefore, it is suggested that contestants design the kiln and rehearse in advance. those who finish the requirement within 50 hrs should inform the judges (to grade “Energy-saving” award), and take a rest after that.(7) Pyrometer are used to measure temperature and thermocouple placed at the center of firing chamber. (8) The judges, consisting of wood-fired ceramics experts, will do the grading during “kiln-building” and “firing” (a span of 3 days) and presenting award accordingly: 【Best Team Work】One that has highest score of order and good hygiene. Awarded 1 trophy and 1 silk banner.【Perfect Firing】One that has the highest score of “firing rate” on 20 pieces of ceramic works. Awarded 20,000 NT$ and 1 trophy.【Energy Saving】One that reaches more than 1100℃ and has most woods left. Awarded 10,000 NT$ and 1 certificate of award.【Best Heating】One that reaches 1250℃ 3 times first.  Awarded 20,000NT$ and 1 trophy.【Best Skill】The 3 teams that get highest score of “Design”, “Skill”, and “Firing Method” respectively. Awarded 10,000 NT$ and 1 certificate of award (3 candidate teams). 【King of Kiln】each team should choose 2 pieces of works (1 provided by the host, another the team’s own). One that gets highest vote among the judges is awarded 20,000NT$ and 1 trophy. The winning work (one that provided by the host) should be handed to the host as collection. (9) Tentative dates are: 21-23, Oct. 2011 for Kiln Building and 29, Oct. 2011 for Kiln Opening. Contest dates are subject to change due to weather and other adverse conditions. The host will give a refund if the contestant is unable to participate due to the change. (10) Venue: Asia-Pacific Institute of Creativity (Xuefu rd.Shanhu Vil., Toufen Township, Miaoli County 351, Taiwan (R.O.C.))(11) To enter the contest, please fill in the registration form and send it back with registration fee and guarantee. Registration is due on 9, Dec. 2011. for the international team, please submit your registration form first. once your application is accepted, you can pay the fee and guarantee before the participating in the contest.＊ Maximum contest team number is 12. No registration will be accepted or on waitlist after the registration of the 12th team.Account Name: Miaoli Wood-fired Ceramics Association;Account Number: 0291350  0112711  (12) Contestants should help themselves to the venue. The host will carry insurance for contestants. Board and lodging is not provided, except lunch. Contestants are suggested to prepare tents or book rooms nearby. (14) Rules are subject to change if not fully established.(13) Contestants are allowed to bring, exhibit and sell their own ceramic works.Registration Form  http://www.xun6.net/file/77246bd92/Registration+Form.doc.html

苗栗縣柴燒陶藝創作協會: The 2nd National Wood-fired Ceramic Kiln Building Contest