subject: Setting Up A Pottery Workshop In An Insulated Garden Studio [print this page] Keeping your pottery studio away from your living areas in a separate insulated garden studio is very important, because when you are working with clay the dust contains small particles of silica which can be harmful when inhaled over long periods of time.
If you were making pottery in a spare room inside your main residence, the dust could enter into the ventilation system and can be very difficult to get rid of. If you are working in a separate space you can employ safety precautions and have a separate ventilation system to get rid of the dust.
Installing the Proper Ventilation System
When you are setting up your pottery studio in the insulated garden studio you will want to install a ventilation system not only to cope with the silica dust but also to deal with the heat and the water vapour which is created by the kiln.
The ventilation system should include at least two window fans as well as a hood which will vent air out through the roof. The hood should be placed directly above the kiln so that the hot air and the fumes from the firing will rise up through it.
It is also important to make sure that your insulated garden studio has plenty of windows which you can open to get some fresh air. Breathing in the silica dust over a long period of time can cause health problems for ceramic artists, so you will want to keep the windows open when you are working in your studio.
Necessary Utilities
Another crucial feature that you must have when creating a pottery workshop in an insulated garden studio is access to water. A deep sink is used to clean the clay and to prevent the build-up of dust. Water is also necessary to treat a burn or put out a fire.
Your studio should also have electricity, which you will need to power the kilns. Electrical kilns are left on for long periods of time and use a lot of electricity, so make sure that the electrical connections are properly installed so that there is no risk of fire. If you are using a gas kiln it is even more important to make sure that it is hooked up properly because gas leaks can be very dangerous.
Safety Features
Last but not least, there are a few safety features that an insulated garden studio must have to become a ceramic workshop. It must have a working smoke alarm in case of fire, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.
When you create a safe and functional pottery workshop you will be able to work in it for many years to come, creating beautiful ceramic works of art
