73rd Firing of the Kiln (December 2007)

We all get really excited, nervous, anxious, stressed, etc. around this well-planned, yet spontaneous and unpredictable, event. The potters create their artistic wares during the three months leading up to the firing. Cups, bowls, pitchers, and plates are extruded from the muted colors of earth. Each new day brings forth a vision of what is to be made (with guidance from Mark - the master potter).



Wood is cut and stacked according to size. The next two weeks they finish up their decorations and begin packing the kiln, taking up to one week to do so. Pots are strategically placed within the body of the beast so as to take advantage of the designs that come forth from the flames and wood ash. This is the most well-meditated process of the firing. Pots up front become gnarly and covered in ash, pots on the sides receive a lot of kisses from the flames and pots in the back get soft tones of warmth.





The kiln is then sealed and the firing begins! It involves three days of constant wood stoking. Initially, only one person is in control of the wood entering the kiln. It then, eventually, builds to up to four people stoking all parts of the kiln. This continues on all-day, all-night until the desired temperature has been attained throughout the whole kiln. This can be a difficult task, especially with large kilns such as Mark's. They have ended firings as late as midnight and 1 am the day after they were supposed to end. All the potters are exhausted, covered in ashes and smell of wood smoke and sweat. All for the sake of making a beautiful piece of art.





That following weekend is the sale. This sale in particular is actually part of the Chatham County Studio Tour where up to 100 artists showcase their wares in their studios. This is a two-weekend event. In Mark's case, a majority of the pots are sold during that first day (saturday), with not much to spare for the sunday and weekend#2 arrivals. For those who are just out to look at the goods made by the fabulous, local artist it is advised to come that first Saturday. Otherwise, you miss out on seeing the intricate lines and shapes that Mark's work has become known for.

Chaos ensues at the first saturday of the kiln sale. It is frantic, people are not shy about getting what they want, it makes for a long day for all involved. This happens three times a year and each one seems to arrive so quickly. The next sale is in May. The potters get a longer break, a time to unwind, settle in to the time that is winter, and really work the brain into generating new and fantastic ideas to be presented in the coming year.