This is the bulk of my work. When I sit down and begin throwing, invariably I will make some sort of cylinder. Sometimes I'm shooting for height, other times width or for a certain shape.
Rakuing is pure delight. It's done outdoors. After a pot has been fired once (bisqued) and glazed some, you put it into an outdoor kiln and watch through the little peep holes for when it looks like the glaze has melted and it's piping hot. Then, very carefully, with long instrument arms, its carefully placed into a barrel filled with natural materials- sawdust, pine needles, etc. and some paper. When the pot comes into contact with the materials (particularly the paper), it will instantly catch fire. Then you quickly place a lid on top of the barrel and leave it to burn and simmer out. The finished piece is what you see on the website- always surprising and often radiant.
Making bowls is fun. Unlike a vase, bringing up a bowl is more about bringing the walls out. Often, my ambition gets the better of me and the walls get too tall. The trick to a functional bowl is to keep the wall low.
Ceramics is an old passion, dating back to adolescence. After school, I'd join a friend in the ceramic studio and eventually, I got my first potters wheel, a 2-speed that I still use in New Hampshire. It has yet to need any repairs.
All of these were made in high school.
Clay comes from the earth. Engaging with clay is a delicate dance wherein the potter both leads and is led. Utilizing the raw, simple elements of the earth, the potter strives to achieve a oneness in concert with the movement of the wheel.
After an encounter with fire, clay becomes one of the most permanent, erosion-resistant materials on earth.
