Studio Process & Material Making > Charcoal

Pieces of dry wood have been cut to size and placed in metal containers with lids, wrapped with wire to secure them. A single hole punched in the lid allows for hot air to escape. A fire is built around the tins and maintained for at least 1 hour.

Pieces of dry wood have been cut to size and placed in metal containers with lids, wrapped with wire to secure them. A single hole punched in the lid allows for hot air to escape. A fire is built around the tins and maintained for at least 1 hour.

2019

The tins of wood (now charcoal) are left in the coals of the fire, and then to cool overnight.

The tins of wood (now charcoal) are left in the coals of the fire, and then to cool overnight.

2019

The next day, with the fire and metal tins fully cool, the charcoal can be retrieved.

The next day, with the fire and metal tins fully cool, the charcoal can be retrieved.

2019

Tins of charcoal removed from the fire (Altoid and tea tins are good sizes for making charcoal.)

Tins of charcoal removed from the fire (Altoid and tea tins are good sizes for making charcoal.)

2019

Charcoal test #1

Charcoal test #1

2019

Charcoal test #2

Charcoal test #2

2019

Different types of wood and vines produce charcoals with varying softness and darkness.

Different types of wood and vines produce charcoals with varying softness and darkness.

2019