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Carl Mankert | Episode 1178
Carl Mankert is a ceramic artist working in Chicago and Malmo, Sweden. His work ranges from functional terracotta gardenware to decorative raku and mosaics. The work often explores themes of emigration and immigration, belonging and blending in. His company, Chicago Kiln Service, Inc. provides sales and service of studio equipment.
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What is the first thing a person should do when they bring a kiln home?
Consider the location of the installation and address it with ventilation if need be. If you live in the space that has the kiln you need to ventilate it.
We have had our kiln for a while. What are some basic things we should have in a schedule to do on a regular basis?
Keep a kiln log. If your computer does not keep a kiln log for you, keep a clipboard. So that you know how many firing you have and change the thermocouple on a regular basis. Vacuum it in a regular basis.
What is the indicating factor that the elements need to be swapped out?
The visual indication is if you look at the elements, if they are laying down like records leaning in a shelf, if the element are bunching up in the corners, that’s an indication that they starting the wear. If your firing times are getting long they are getting worn.
You said an overly long firing can be a source of pinholes. So that could be an indicator?
It can be an indication of that. If your glazes are running more than you anticipated. If your kiln is firing very long and slow with old elements the last couple of hours will behave like a hold on the firing.
What is your basic check list when changing the elements that you always do at the same time?
Heating elements, relay, thermocouples at the same time. And give it a really thorough visual inspection.
What is your favorite form to make?
I like throwing long tom flower pots. They need to have a very graceful shape to them. A classic design of a flower pot called long tom. I like that, they are really neat to have, they have very specific fluting, a very specific shape from the foot to the lip.
Book
Japanese Pottery Handbook by Penny Simpson, Jucy Kitto, and Kanji Sodeoka
Contact
Instagram: @chicago_kiln_service