In the world of ceramics, wood-fired pieces are a species unto themselves. A wood kiln can get up to 2600 degrees, about five hundred degrees hotter than the average electric kiln. And unlike a gas or electric kiln that can be programed to run on its own, wood kilns are heated with a fire that is fed and fanned by hand. This is usually a communal event—the fire must be stoked continuously for twenty-four hours, and even the most enthusiastic solo potter grows a little weary.
I got to participate in a wood firing two summers ago in Wisconsin. (My roommate did an admirable job recording the adventure on her blog.) For now I will only say that it was a magical event, and I’m delighted to share some of those pieces with you.
Wood-fired pieces have a unique aesthetic. Their glazes are earthy, deep, and complicated. They reward the careful eye. Each piece’s position in the kiln is as significant as the choice of glaze. Pots closest to the firebox warp slightly in the intense heat. Some acquire bright glass deposits from descending ash, and others are marked by the mysterious fire-shadow.
The results are as impossible to predict as they are to reproduce, so I encourage you to enjoy these pieces while they last.
