Nancy Exharu: Wood-Fired Bowls

Wood firing

By Nancy Exarhu at Studio Escargot.

There are many ways to fire pottery. The most common way of firing is with electricity, or with gas. Wood firing is where wood is the sole combustible material used to bring the pots up to maturity and vitrification within the kiln. The process requires constant attention as wood must be manually fed into the kiln to keep the firing going. It is a long process that requires the same 'round the clock care.

The work inside of a wood kiln is not only subject to the heat from the fire, but also to the shifting atmospheres of reduction and oxidation, smoke, ash, embers, and volatile minerals from the burning wood wooshing through and around them. These factors in combination with the intense heat, chemically interact with the surfaces of the pots, creating one-of-a-kind, organic lines, patterns, glazes and flashes. Flames hug curves, jump over edges, and lick around lips, physically leaving a hint of their path along the surfaces of the pieces. Colors and textures get layered on with the different types of wood being fed, and atmospheres that are occurring throughout the firing. The look of the end product is totally intriguing yet unpredictable.

Since the fire demands constant attention, wood firing is a method that fosters community. The firing are usually planned ahead of the time and the participating ceramic artist share kiln space and shifts.

Not having a wood kiln of my own, I have relied entirely on the generosity of others who have invited me into their firings. I owe all of them an enormous thank you for the opportunities that they've provided me.