In the kiln.

This is a kiln in the process of loading for a bisque fire (the first firing). The ware is packed as tightly as possible on the shelves which are stacked in layers. We use electric kilns which are controlled by computer timers. The temperature rise is controlled so the clay has enough time for moisture to escape and to fuse and expand and contract without damaging the ware. The bisque fire takes the clay to cone 04, which in plain English means just a tad above 1900 degrees farenheit. It's zero degrees F outside at the moment, hanging around a kiln at 1900 F sounds pretty good to me.