The pit firing process reminds me of cooking over an open fire while camping, something I do every summer. I soon realized this process has virtually unlimited opportunities for experimentation. The sheer amount of organic materials there are to use combined with the temperature and duration of the fire transform clay surfaces into a plethora of different designs and a myriad of marbleized patterns and colors. There are many ways of doing pit firings and because I now live within the city limits, I have adapted this process into an old weber bbq a friend was getting rid of. It works for me and is just one of many ways of doing a pit firing. I start by building a fire and letting it burn down into a nice bed of coals. Think s’more roasting perfect. While the coals are forming, I wrap my object, like a gift I plan to give the fire, in newspaper, and an assortment of organic materials. I have used everything from seashells to bison manure, citrus and banana skins, pistachio shells, and flower petals. Once the coals are ready, I gently set the piece and surrender my hopes and dreams to the fire and its desired outcome, enjoying watching the flames burst out again. I use tongs to stir the coals as needed and enjoy seeing the beginnings of the flame-licked surfaced arise from the smoke.