This has been the first time since I was in my 20’s that I’ve filled the kiln almost exclusively with my own work. It was more enjoyable than I’d anticipated, as I narrowed my focus on the work at hand, steadily working, busily dreaming, exploring old shapes and glazes, and venturing out as inspiration and whim dictated.
Conceiving of the aesthetic potential of each small interior section of the kiln is an endless preoccupation. Glazes look different depending where you place them, spots where apprentices used to put their work are now mine. What beauty can I coax from a spot on the floor against the wall between the ten-gallon pots in Chamber VII, or high up on top of the bungs (stacks) of shelves in Chambers I and II? The results of this all-important quest I now share with you at our Holiday Kiln Opening Sale!
My wonderful apprentice, Stillman, helped with the laboring aspects of production (making balls of clay for me, cutting wood, mixing glazes, etc.), and made a few mixing bowls and planters. He’s now busy at his home, making bricks for his own kiln (he’s a true pioneer doing it all the hard way, from scratch!), and we look forward to seeing what his kiln produces sometime next year. Several of his excellent pots from previous firings here, as well as those made by Will Baskin, are on the shelves, so grab them while they last!
I’m pleased with the results of Firing 104, acknowledging that I still have the desire and energy to keep making the best work I can, and recognizing that I can’t wait to get back to work so I can do it even better next time.
