Wood firing 2024

We take the earth, we light a fire and we create beauty.

In a nutshell, unlike an electric or gas firing, wood firing uses wood as the primary fuel for heating the kiln. Wood firing is called an atmospheric firing due to the atmosphere that flows through the kiln and “paints” the ware. In this case the ware is painted by flames and fly ash. Once the kiln reaches high temperatures the fly ash from the firebox that flies around the kiln deposits on the pieces which melts to form natural ash glazes.

A second by product which occurs during the firing is the “reduction” this happens when there is more fuel in the kiln compared to the flow of oxygen. This can essentially choke the kiln, but when controlled this process draws the oxygen from the pots and creates a rich toasty colour palette derived simply from iron.

Wood firing creates a cumulative record of the flame on each piece, by capturing the movement of light through time and permanently marking the movement of flame on the ware.

There is this constant dialogue between wood and fire, wood firing inherently has a raw,elemental connection to natural material and process. I love that for thousands of years humans have been lighting a fire inside an arch of bricks to create beautiful pots.

Wood firing and the connection to community

Another aspect of wood firing that differs immensely from firing in gas or electric is the community connection. It’s the connection with each other and with the ancient skill of wood firing.

Spending a week living in a field with a team of potters, all with the common goal of a successful firing. It’s the graveyard shifts stoking the kiln late at night and the early hours of the morning, whilst the sun sets then again when it rises the next day. Working together to process all the wood; the endless chopping, splitting and stacking of logs. The cooking and eating communal meals, something I don’t think I’ve done on a regular basis since I was a child. The opportunity to talk about clay and pots every hour of the day with like minded potters.

We were in our own wood firing bubble with little concept of what was going on in the outside world. We could of been in a field anywhere and everywhere. For a week my world seemed to have shrunk and I was all consumed by the firing and my life in Whytham woods.

Although this is my first wood firing, I’ve managed to learn heaps already. I can see that every firing will teach you something different each time. It’s the emotional strength and resilience called upon. Followed by constantly asking questions and solving problems, carefully observing every fine detail, finally having the confidence to trust and follow your instincts, whilst always being on the verge of recklessness. Teetering on the edge of disaster and pure brilliance.