Discover a new creative level of ceramics without expensive equipment used in modern studios. This clay forming and firing class will inform students about hand building techniques requiring few tools and no equipment, as well as various low temperature firing methods. Each day will feature hands-on elements of both forming and firing. Learn the traditional way of using pinching, coil, paddle and anvil, as well as slab vessel building, to create some fascinating traditional vessel shapes. We will use found objects to explore surface design, drawing from a variety of historical techniques used in Native American pottery. We will seek to understand the rich history and process of low temperature firing without glazes. We will work as a class to build and fire our 'kilns' - a beachside pit-fired kiln, a stacked masonry sawdust-fired kiln and sagger firing in a propane-fueled trashcan kiln. Each method will be put to the test as we have fun firing various ceramic pieces and enjoying their results. At the completion of the course, you will be prepared to use these firing techniques at home for a minimal cost.