Kiln Arch Work!!

The brickwork for the arch is COMPLETE!!
The main arch is pictured using a high temperature Castable to fill any holes and empty gaps from the bricks. On top of that is a layer of foil (to reflect the heat back towards the kiln), then a layer of Kaowool (a high temperature insulating fabric), Then topped with a layer of Softbrick for insulative value!
I will also cover the whole Kiln in a 4" layer of clay for insulation! But first I have to put in metal frames and doors for my two side ports...
Right on track for a firing at the end of the month!

Work for the Kiln

Since this Winter was just plain COLD, I spent the past few months working in my studio (by the woodstove) making the pieces for the first Ramsey Anagama Firing, which will be at the end of March.

I am trying to finish up 200 pieces for the firing. I am not sure how much the Kiln will actually hold, so I hope I have enough.

Pictured our some of my predator/prey pieces in which I am using Horse, Coyote, Fox, and Shark teeth...

New Slide Work!!

To get ready for our show in April, we had some digital images taken of my work. I had the very fortunate opportunity to work with Andrew Croft for these. He did a wonderful job.

Check out his website: www.artsandcrofts.com

Thank you Andrew!

Winter

Sometimes this Kiln feels closer to being a magical dream, and sometimes it feels closer to being alive

Happy New Year!

Now that it is the year 2011 and winter is fully upon us, I am reminding myself of why I am truly here in Ohio... (I could be in Oregon working with the Astoria Dragon Kiln and community working on their empty bowls project and spending time with my great friend Richard Rowland)
But I have chosen to stay here this winter so that I will be able to finish building my Anagama kiln here in Ramsey.
I found a passage that reflects my journey and motivates me to continue...
"Anagama potters choose to build and construct their kilns in arduous circumstances; the story of their construction becomes part of the narrative of their ceramics. In a world where many people try to take the easiest route; their story often reads like the document of an explorer, struggling against the odds to achieve unknown results" -David Jones from 'Firing'

Cutting Wood!

Even though the Kiln is not quite finished I have to still prepare everything else for THE firing in March!

I am cutting through a big pile of Pine with a little oak for front wood, which a little bit of needs split. And I am trying to prepare side wood too... The two pictures are of an Apple tree that I cut down, bucked up, and then split for side wood.

I have to have my wood good and dry, or else it wouldn't matter if I finished the kiln in time for my APril show or not....

Happy New Year Beaver!!

So a Beaver has moved in down the road here in Ramsey!! He lives below a bridge and you can watch him swim beneath the ice.

Beavers here are so amazing in that they can work with the water here to transform the landscape.

Building my kiln sometimes feels to me like a beaver trying to build his beaver hut...