[CDU eNews] - ALICE SPRINGS STUDENTS ALL FIRED UP

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Alice Springs students all fired up

Take one large pit, line it with firewood, layer it with clay work and
sawdust, add more wood and a dose of oxides and any organic and non-organic
materials you can lay your hands on, then wait for the magic to happen.

This process is called pit-firing, a form of primitive clay firing, and
Charles Darwin University ceramics students from the Alice Springs campus
carry it out every year.

Ceramics lecturer Suzi Lyon said today: "Long before kilns were invented,
bonfire firings and pit-firings were the only way to fire clay into a
ceramic substance. Materials might include dried banana skins, saltbush,
copper scourers and used film."

Every year the students camp out bush for a weekend, always obtaining
permission from the Aboriginal Hayes family to use the land.

"We make the work in advance out of quite rough clays; clay that has had
sand, or pre-fired and crushed clay, known as grog, added to it. After the
flames have died down, the pit is covered in tin and left overnight to
'cook', while we retire to the riverbed to eat, drink and sleep.

"It is a very alchemic process and when the pit is unpacked the following
morning, it delivers many magical surprises."

The pit-firing weekend is just one part of the university's ceramics
program, incorporated in Certificate I, II III and IV in Visual Art and
Contemporary Craft VET courses.

Pit-firing will take place this weekend, Saturday 25 June and Sunday 26
June, beside Emily Creek, off Undoolya Road.

For further information please contact Suzi Lyon 8959 5227 or 0402 073 175
or email suzi.lyon at cdu.edu.au

Suzi Lyon is available for interview.

Best times for photo opportunity are late Saturday afternoon and Sunday
morning.

Media release issued by Cliff Butson, Regional Communications Manager (08)
8959 5450



Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K