About Fireborn Studios

At Fireborn Gallery you will find a mix of functional and one of a kind pottery, hand blown glass, American made crafts, artwork and more. In addition you can take pottery classes in the unique environment of an artist studio.

We are located on Pittsburgh's South Side near the Birmingham and Hot Metal Bridges, on the corner of 24th and Sarah St. From East Carson Street, turn onto 24th Street heading away from the river. We are one block down 24th Street at the corner of 24th and Sarah.

In the last few years, since we began selling exclusively in our own gallery, we have been having much more fun.In addition to our functional bowls, dinnerware et certa, we are making many more one-of-a-kind works. And we have also had more time to devote to glaze experimentation. The results are much more colorful and interesting.

I (Dan) have been making pots since 1972. It has been a passion. Fifteen years ago I make a copper red pitcher and when it came out of the kiln I said "If I die today I will be fulfilled." That is surely a rare experience for most people. But fortunately, I have been able to arrive at that moment more than once. Creating a beautiful, and wholly satisfying thing, is a wonderful experience. As I potter I have been richly rewarded.

We have always had an interest in classical oriental pottery, and the arts and crafts movement in Europe and the United States. Classical forms and glazes are inspirational. I have been building a collection of the best of the best glazes for 30 years. I may be so bold as to suggest that my collection of glazes surpass those of any potter I know and rival any period from the past. My passion for glaze research has been extremely rewarding.

Please come visit our studio and gallery and see for yourself.

Porcelain Clay

There are many kinds of clay, like earthenware, terra cotta and stoneware, but we prefer to use porcelain clay because it is the strongest of all, and the most beautiful. Porcelain is glassy and non-absorbent when fired to maturity. We fire to cone 11, which is about 2400 degrees Fahrenheit. Our pottery is as durable as restaurant ware!

Porcelain is white in color. It is the most expensive clay. It is also the most difficult to work with. When glazed with a translucent or clear glaze, the whiteness of the clay makes the glaze appear brighter than it would on stoneware. Stoneware has iron in it that produces speckles and causes the glaze to darken. Porcelain gives glazes a smooth clean brilliant glaze surface.

Firing: We fire to cone 11 (2400 degrees F.) in a 100 cu. ft. gas kiln. I don't know any other studio potters who fire that hot. The kiln is made of steel, and lined with firebrick and ceramic fiber. Ancient Chinese and Japanese kilns used wood. We use natural gas. But in both cases, the combustion the process is similar. Like them, we fire in a reducing atmosphere, which promotes the development of certain colors such as the celadons and copper reds. Let me explain reduction. During certain points in the firing we increase the gas and cut back on the air entering the kiln. This oxygen deprived atmosphere is called a reducing atmosphere and it produces free carbon (visible as smoke). Then, hungry for oxygen, the fire breaks chemical bonds in the glazes to obtain oxygen. Chemical reactions strip oxygen from the glaze materials, especially the coloring oxides present in the glaze. These oxides are thus reduced to their metallic state. The intensity of the colors produced varies according to the percentages of oxides present, the character of the base glaze, and the amount of reduction obtained. In reduction firing, such as I do, the firing of the kiln is as much an art as it is a science.

Safety: Fireborn pottery may be used in a dishwasher, microwave and oven. Avoid sudden, extreme changes of temperature. You can place porcelain in a 325 degree oven and then increase the temperature. When you remove an item from the oven place it on a pad of wood, cloth or cork, not on a cold tile counter top. All our glazes and our clay are lead and cadmium free.

Glazes: At Fireborn Studios we formulate our own glazes. Usually we begin with with recipes from books of traditional glazes and then rework them to use contemporary materials. We fine tune them until we get the desired color and correct glaze fit. We do thousands of glaze tests and experiments.

What people are saying about us:

Dear Dan and Donna,

Just wanted you to know how much we are enjoying the Fireborn Jade dinner ware. Will have to add more to our set because we are having to wash dishes too often!! I love the subtle colors as we use them in our kitchen and dining room. Thanks to you and Karla for introducing me to Fireborn.

N. K.

Dear Donna –

Thanks for helping me send the perfect gift!, We use your Fireborn pottery bowl every day. Really! It has been great for fruit and salads – and quickly became part of our life. Thank you for such an attractive, durable and useful wedding gift.

Fondly,

D&K

Dan and Donna,

Thank you [for letting my class visit your studio]. It is hard to say what an excellent experience you have provided for my students and the appreciation I have for you both.

I hope I can continue to bring students to you in the future. I just can’t give my students what you can in the period of 2 1/2 hours.

Sincerely,

C.P. Bethel Park High School

P.S. Donna, I love the frog vase! Make more!

Dear Mr. Vito:

Enclosed please find a check for $10.00 to pay for a beautifully rich red cup that you let me have, in lieu of a credit card, on Christmas Eve. Your generosity and trust were the best Christmas present I received. My wife, to whom I traditionally give a cup at Christmas, loves the one of yours. Clearly, it has become her favorite; for she drinks out of it every day. Later this month, she has a birthday. I will be visiting your studio again for a present. My hope is that a vase that particularly caught my eye will still be available; if not, there’s surely no want of other fine examples of your work to substitute for it. Thanking you warmly and wishing you a rewarding New Year, I am

Yours sincerely, F.H.N.

Dear Donna –

Thank you for speeding this order along. My newly married customer and her husband are very pleased with the dinnerware. Have a great summer!

P.A. Duke Street Gallery

Dear Dan,

Thank you so much for the beautiful pitcher. I love it.

It sat by my reading lamp during Christmas filled with anemones – stunning.

Hope your holidays are joyous – with a great 1998 ahead.

Cheers!

Dear Dan and Donna,

I really enjoyed the workshop on Sunday. It was extremely gracious of you to make the time and show us how your business operates. You cannot imagine how impressed I was. My dad and granddad owned a small retail store, when I was growing up. I worked there frequently and know how much dedication and commitment it takes to be successful. You certainly have earned accolades. As an engineer, I appreciated your use of space and all the effort it took to create a manufacturing facility, the designs, the tooling and quality control/assurance techniques. The business is a true achievement, one I know will continue to thrive. Best wishes for a prosperous year.

Sincerely,

L.D.

Dear Dan and Donna,

"Discover Pittsburgh" camp was a huge success this summer, and much of that success is the result of the time and patience you two gave to the children when we visited. "Hands-on" is what Discover Pittsburgh is all about—and the visit to Fireborn was exactly what I hoped for (and got 100% more!) You are both patient, kind, and caring people. Thank you very much. We’re all patiently awaiting our finished products.

Sincerely,

R. F. Summer Programs Coordinator Brashear Association

Dear Donna –

We recently received, not only the lid replacement we’d requested, but a brand new soup tureen. We were shocked – and so grateful. The set we received was a treasure, something we hope lasts a lifetime. We appreciate so much that you helped us to keep it complete. We have many friends and family back in Pittsburgh. We intend to recommend you highly.

Thank you so much,

S. L. B. San Diego, CA

Daniel Vito

Exclusively at Fireborn

Guarentee

Donna Hetrick

Real Studio Setting

No More Art Festivals