Burnishing is not burnishing~1

It is undeniable that clay is one of the most tactile media.
One of the techniques for surface treatment is called burnishing.
Burnishing on clay objects was used in almost all of the cultures in the past.
With this technique, the clay surface is given an attractive gloss or soft sheen. The result of the work is often warm in texture, and irresistibly sensuous.
I often get two extreme reactions when I ask students to practice with this technique; one is "I can't stop burnishing!", and the other is begging not to do it again.
Burnishing is actually a very good tool for taking me to another state of mind.
It demands very little physical movement, but requires a quiet mind, and relaxed spirit.
Once I am in the rhythm of movement, I experience a mental space, that is different from any other places that clay has taken me to.
Does that sound funny?
Well, it could be. But, any one can experience it if we do not think of it as pure physical labor.

It was almost a year ago, when we did our last saggar/smoke firing.
I should have taken more pictures on the process which was quite fun and rewarding.
We shall do it again soon.