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Then in October
2001, I participated in the "Hotter Than A Texas
Summer" wood fire workshop hosted by the Ceramics Department at the
University of North Texas. There I was able to take
advantage of of Mike Weber's expertise in the construction and firing
of small catenary arch wood fired kilns. In September 2003, I
returned to the Tokoname area for a detailed survey of modern makegama (wood
fired kiln) construction, and in September 2004, I attended the
International Wood Fire Conference, held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Using a custom-built Leach type
treadle wheel,
I
enjoy throwing basic vessel forms with a variety of white and
iron-bearing stoneware clay bodies. I continue to make functional
pieces decorated with traditional
glazes, then gas reduction fired, or fired as American
style raku. I do hope
to build a small makegama
(wood fired kiln)
soon. For work in the Shigaraki Pottery line, I will wood fire
unglazed
greenware for varying periods after maturity of the clay into
stoneware.
The only surface treatment for these pieces will be the
marvelously
varied natural glaze created by the interaction between flame,
fly ash, and clay.
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