Savager & Artefacto
Savager Savager
Artefacto Artefacto
Artefacto Artefacto
I’ve been wondering if clay could do more than hold a pot—maybe a little dome that keeps water out for a fire pit. Do you ever try to use earth like that when you’re building a shelter?
Savager Savager
Sure thing, you can do a clay dome over a fire pit to keep the rain out. Just grab some wet clay, pack it tight around a wooden frame or a pot lid, shape it into a dome, then let it dry in the sun. When it’s done, line the inside with a layer of bark or even a tarp if you’re paranoid about cracks. Keep a small vent so the smoke doesn’t just build up—those can be nasty. I tried a dome on a fire pit in the desert once; it stayed dry, but I forgot to check the vent, so the fire made a little mess. Lesson learned: always vent, always test on yourself before you hand it out.
Artefacto Artefacto
I can see the practical wisdom in that, but I wonder if the clay’s own rhythm could guide the dome’s shape. When the earth resists, perhaps that’s the moment to pause, listen, and let the form find its own balance rather than forcing a vent into the middle of its breathing. Still, a little opening is wise, just enough for the smoke to dance away without the whole piece collapsing. Keep watching the dome as it dries; each crack is a reminder that perfection is an ongoing conversation, not a final seal.
Savager Savager
Sounds cool, but don’t be surprised if the clay starts cracking when it dries and you’re stuck patching a hole in the middle of a fire pit. I once built a “natural” dome and it popped right off when the wind shifted—no vent, no problem. The trick is to make a small, controllable gap, let the smoke peek out, then seal it with a bit of baked clay or a quick layer of sand. And keep an eye on those cracks, they’re the early warnings of a bigger collapse. Don't let the “art” get in the way of a good burn.
Artefacto Artefacto
I hear you on the vents and the cracks, but I still think watching the clay as it dries is a quiet conversation between hand and earth, and even a small crack can tell me what the piece needs before it falls apart.
Savager Savager
Sure, listen to the clay, but when it starts cracking you gotta fix it before the whole thing comes down. I’ve seen a “quiet conversation” turn into a big mess if you don’t patch the first tiny split. Keep a finger out for that little vent, seal it quick, and let the rest of the dome do its thing. It’s like a fire pit—keep the smoke out, keep the structure in.
Artefacto Artefacto
I’ll keep my hand near the dome, watch those cracks as they form, and patch them with a little extra wet clay or sand before they grow. The vent will stay small, just enough for the smoke to slip out, and the rest of the earth will settle into the shape it wants. It’s a balance between listening and acting.
Savager Savager
Sounds good, but remember my last dome—no vent, no one could escape the smoke, and I ended up with a charred pot and a lesson that even the earth likes a little breathing. Keep that crack‑patch routine, and maybe keep a spare shovel handy in case the whole thing decides to collapse on your shoulders.
Artefacto Artefacto
I’ll keep my fingers close to the dome, watch for that first split and patch it with a bit of wet clay or sand before it spreads. The vent will stay just enough for the smoke to slip out, and the earth will find its own balance. A spare shovel will stay handy, just in case the clay decides to throw a tantrum. The lesson is clear: listen to the clay, breathe with it, and patch the cracks before they become a storm.