For potters, the process of wood-firing may seem like second nature, but for those who haven’t experienced it firsthand, it’s truly unforgettable. Wood-firing is more than just a method; it’s a partnership between the maker and the kiln—a living, breathing entity that shapes the clay in ways no other process can. The experience of assisting in a firing is absorbing, peaceful, and deeply challenging—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is depleting and exhilarating all at once.
The kiln feels alive—dynamic, ever-changing, and seemingly imbued with a will of its own. Firing is a delicate dance of adjustments: adding a piece of wood here, stoking the coals there. Each choice shifts the atmosphere inside the kiln, influencing how flames move, how ash settles, and how the clay transforms. The results are always unpredictable. When I've assisted, I often feel like a monkey at the controls of a jet plane, experimenting with the fire’s effects without ever fully understanding the forces at play. Yet this uncertainty mirrors life itself—a fabric of expectations to be held and released, an invitation to enter a quieter, more responsive relationship with the moment.
Materially speaking, wood-firing leaves an indelible mark on the clay. As wood burns, ash swirls through the kiln, landing on the pots and forming natural glazes in the intense heat, which reaches temperatures of 2300 fahrenheit. This ash, combined with flame and temperature fluctuations, creates surfaces that are unrepeatable, rich with texture, depth, and unpredictability. Flashing, where flames kiss the clay directly, adds subtle gradients of color, while the kiln’s interior dynamics leave behind a record of the fire’s journey across every piece. The results are both ancient and alive—pots that feel like they were born from the earth and fire in dialogue.
Beyond the technical and material, wood-firing is an opportunity for reflection. It challenges you to be present, to adapt, to make peace (or at least strike a truce) with the unexpected. It’s a chance to meet your demons, draw upon familiar strengths, and discover new capacities.