Why I do it

My initiation into Anagama firing started during my studies at UNITEC in the mid nineties. I became intrigued that I could build a kiln from bricks that, when fired with wood, could reach stoneware temperatures. I had a project to build a bourry box wood kiln for salt firing. Once constructed I got other ideas that maybe I could try firing the kiln for longer and longer and see what effects could be achieved. I topped out with a 36 hour firing (mostly as a solo effort) and was happy with the results.
Whilst working as Co-Director of the ASP I re-built the small tunnel kiln and fired that a few times before I designed and helped build their anagama kiln. This I fired about 7 times over 5 years and had a steep learning curve. During my trips overseas I was fortunate in being able to help other potters fire their kilns and see the differences that occur from kiln designs and wood selection.
I am fascinated by the way the fire moves through the pots, creating a memory on the pots for latter contemplation. The shear complexity of surfaces amazes me and the way the wrap themselves around the form. See right for my latest works.

New work posted September 2009