SOME THOUGHTS ON WOOD-FIRED KILNS
Firing a pottery kiln with wood is strenuous work. The
wood must be collected, processed and stored, and the kiln
fired for many hours with near constant vigilance by the
potters.
So why fire a pottery kiln with wood?
Because the wood-fired kiln promotes the unexpected and
the miraculous. After many hours of stoking and tending the
kiln, we reach the high stoneware temperatures. Rivers of
flame and ash from the firebox course through the kiln,
promoting near magical events. Ash falling on clay surfaces
begins to melt and fuse with the applied glazes & slips,
and the flame flowing through the ware chamber touches the
pottery, leaving it tinged with grays, oranges or a subtle
fire-tone that defies description.
Again, why fire with wood?
Because the process of wood firing draws potters
together in a special way. The preparation for a firing and
the labor of stoking the kiln demands collaboration. The kiln
becomes a focal point for a small community of people who
share a love of clay and fire. I value this collaborative
effort, this community-making activity; and I am thankful for
the bonds formed.
