Ceramic bisque, often simply called "bisque," refers to pottery that has been shaped, dried, and fired once in a kiln without any glaze. This firing process, called a "bisque firing," transforms the raw, fragile clay into a hardened, porous state, making it durable enough to handle yet still absorbent enough to accept glazes.
Bisque Stage
The bisque stage is key in pottery because it prepares the piece for decoration, especially for glazing. During bisque firing, the clay’s chemical structure is altered as water and organic materials are burned off, making it less vulnerable to breakage. The texture of bisque is slightly rough, and it readily absorbs liquid glazes, making it ideal for decoration before its final glaze firing.
Glazing and Second Firing
Because bisque is porous, artists can experiment with a variety of glazing techniques, knowing that the piece will absorb the glaze consistently. Once glazed, the piece goes through a second firing, known as the glaze firing, where the heat fuses the glaze onto the surface, giving it a smooth, glass-like finish and making it water-resistant.
There are also commercially prepared ceramic bisque pieces that artists can purchase and personalise. These come in various forms—from plates and mugs to figurines and sculptures—and allow artists to jump straight to the glazing and decorating stage without the need for initial shaping or bisque firing.
Flexibility and Creativity
Working with bisque offers flexibility and efficiency for both beginner and experienced potters. It enables artists to explore creative techniques without the need for advanced skills in clay molding, and it also serves as a reliable canvas for experimenting with various colours, patterns, and glaze effects.
Sajo Ceramics offers a Pick Up / Drop Off Firing Service.