Firing a Clay Bust

[Chillum]

Does anyone have any experience of firing a small clay bust? I have completed the modelling, the head is about fist size, with neck and shoulders below. I have access to a kiln, but what I need to know is...is it necessary to hollow out the head before firing or would a solid lump of this size survive the firing process? Any help, adice or suggestions would be appreciated.

[mummytait]

I would hollow out the model if I were you. There is a chance that the solid mass would survive firing as long as it was completely dried out before you fired and there were no air bubbles in it ,but in my experience you would be better off scooping out the bulk of the clay.