Woodfired pottery is an ancient and immersive firing process where raw clay and fire interact directly, creating surfaces that are both raw and refined. Unlike conventional kiln firings, where glazes are applied by hand, woodfired pieces develop their own natural glaze through prolonged exposure to wood ash, embers, and fluctuating heat.
Pots are placed in a wood-burning kiln, often stacked in layers, and fired over several days. The kiln is continuously stoked with wood, allowing flames to move freely around the work, depositing ash and minerals that melt onto the surface, forming unique textures, drips, and unpredictable markings. This slow, labor-intensive process can reach temperatures of 1300°C (2372°F), transforming the clay into something both primitive and sophisticated.
Depending on placement in the kiln, some pieces emerge with deep flashing, rich ochres, and warm earth tones, while others are kissed by the unpredictable patterns of flying ash and ember trails. The result is a pottery surface that is both unrepeatable and deeply connected to the firing process—each mark a direct imprint of the fire itself.
Woodfired pottery is a testament to time, patience, and nature’s raw beauty—where the kiln is not just a tool but an active collaborator in the creation of each piece.