Wood Fired Works 2010/2011
I usually work the surfaces of my forms extensively. I found as I placed elaborate surfaces on these new forms, especially the ones with an asymmetrical orientation, the surface distracted from the undulating silhouettes. As a result I searched out different finishing techniques for these works. These pieces were fired in a wood kiln. The luscious lick of the flame and falling of the ash caresses and describes the forms in a way my hand never could.
Giving ones work up to the kiln to finish is something I don’t find totally comfortable. These pieces were loaded in to the kiln with nothing on their surface. I try to make forms that will catch and divert both the flame and ash but in the end it is the atmosphere of the kiln that determines the appearance of the piece. I suppose this is true of life as well, so much of who we are is a result of the various environments in which we were realized.
