Anagama 2012

Old kiln yard MWPAI

New kiln yard PrattMWP

We finally fired the anagama after a week delay due to my lack of organizing energy. The firing was a long one, too long for my liking, a sure sign of age. We started on Thursday evening with Amber and Eric (sophomores in my intro Ceramics Sculpture class- the best I have ever had!) taking the night shift. They are quick studies and hit the target temperatures beautifully.  By morning the kiln was ready for the next shift. The firing proceeded through the next 36 hours, firing off Saturday evening. Although the students thought it was a good firing I have different thoughts and will toss them about in the next post.

As a result of the firing, I made some changes to the kiln floor and the stacking scheme for the next firing. My reasoning will be laid out as well.

I just read a piece from the NCECA conference, a panel discussion on soda firing. I am amazed at the differing approaches and technical knowledge sited for various results. Any technical information stated is always helpful. No matter how experienced a potter it is always good to hear this information from others to compare and contrast notions. It would take far too many lifetimes to acquire true expertise alone. Ceramics is too broad and deep a medium.

But the information can sometimes, at quick glance, seem contradictory. The reason lies in the many, many variables found in each technique or process; variables that are too often, for brevity, left out, something of which we all need to be mindful.

Any technique passed on to another is just show and tell, regardless of who is showing and telling. All techniques need to be understood intrinsically, and as a result, applicable under various conditions. One needs to understand process in a broad manner. Firing a kiln is the best example. Simple put, all techniques need to become yours, no matter how traditional or modern they appear. This takes time and attention. In the end, the technique will become yours for your needs and materials. That is the goal.