Throwing

Most of my forms are thrown.  I use a variety of stoneware clays and porcelains.

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Trimming and Carving

Pots are trimmed and some are carved with decorative rims and/or faceting.

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Casting

I cast pieces using a variety of hand-made molds.  My casting slip is grolleg porcelain based.

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Loading

Pots are bisque fired, glazed and wadded prior to loading.  Click here for a video of the soda kiln being loaded.

Panorama of the anagama being loaded (taken from the side door). Photo by Spencer Dixon.

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Firing

Firings range in duration from 24 to 130 hours, depending on the kiln.  Wood is added to the kiln every 5-15 minutes around the clock.  The kiln is then sealed up and allowed to cool for 5-15 days.  

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Unloading and Cleaning

During the unload the pots are studied and admired - the location, surface, and interaction with other pieces are noted.  They are then cleaned and photographed.  

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Wood Preparation

Our wood is sourced from three local mills.  We use a mix of hardwood (walnut, oak, maple and madrone) and softwood (fir, cedar, and alder).  We burn 30-50 cords a year.  The wood is cut to length, split, stacked, and seasoned prior to use.