NATALIE WARRENS - WOODFIRE
My passion to fire my work in a wood fire kiln began in 2000 when I was invited to participate in an all women’s firing led by Barb Campbell and Terry Inokuma at Hiroshi Ogawa’s in Elkton, Oregon. Hikarigama, “Illuminated Kiln”, is an Anagama kiln that is a traditional Japanese design, built into a hillside. This allows the heat and flame to wind around the pots and up toward the back of the kiln as the damper pulls the flame upward. This river of flame carries the wood ash over the pieces creating unique colors and textures on what was originally an unglazed surface, a blank canvass and which is literally being painted with fire.
A kiln usually takes two days to load and seventy to one hundred hours to fire where up to six cords of wood is burned to reach temperatures of 2400 degrees Fahrenheit. Crews of three to four people work in eight- to twelve-hour shifts, stoking the fire in the front of the kiln. Stoking can occur every five to ten minutes in the front and side ports of the kiln. This collaborative effort in tandem with the natural chemical reactions between the elements of water, earth, air and fire, geologically transforms the clay often into gemstones. The surrender of ego, letting go of control and expectations, and living in the moment are the challenges and beauty of wood firing. It is a very rich creative and spiritual journey that I am so fortunate to be a part of.
A kiln usually takes two days to load and seventy to one hundred hours to fire where up to six cords of wood is burned to reach temperatures of 2400 degrees Fahrenheit. Crews of three to four people work in eight- to twelve-hour shifts, stoking the fire in the front of the kiln. Stoking can occur every five to ten minutes in the front and side ports of the kiln. This collaborative effort in tandem with the natural chemical reactions between the elements of water, earth, air and fire, geologically transforms the clay often into gemstones. The surrender of ego, letting go of control and expectations, and living in the moment are the challenges and beauty of wood firing. It is a very rich creative and spiritual journey that I am so fortunate to be a part of.
If you are interested in purchasing similar pieces or would like pricing information, please contact me at [email protected], or call 503.705.3949.
Because each firing is unique, every piece is distinctive. Please contact me for current availability. Check back here to see work from most recent firings.
RETURN TO HOME CONE 6 PORCELAIN CONTACT
Because each firing is unique, every piece is distinctive. Please contact me for current availability. Check back here to see work from most recent firings.
RETURN TO HOME CONE 6 PORCELAIN CONTACT