Pit Kiln Fired Pottery

For many years, New Mexico has enchanted me with it's high desert landscape, sunshine, recreational activities and Native American heritage. I've spent many afternoons hiking canyons, studying petroglyphs, ancient ruins and artifacts like pottery shards and arrowheads. There are also many signs of used firing pits for producing pottery at that time.  Although my family does not stem from these roots, I have a deep respect for the Ancestral Pueblan culture which used to thrive in this rugged landscape. My own philosophies are stimulated when I find a coiled or painted pottery shard to temporarily hold and appreciate. It's an immediate connection to the past through something valuable and handmade. The pots were crucial to survival, yet craftsmanship and aesthetics are definitely present.

     I choose to pursue a modernized version of pit firing to satisfy my own spiritual needs. I use high fire clay bodies, which vary in color as well as terra sigillata's to enhance surface effects. My pit fired pots are wheel thrown and heavily burnished or polished. Then, they are sun dried and bisque fired in an electric kiln to about 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, I carefully place the pottery in a brick lined pit containing sawdust and other combustibles. I ignite the fire with local cedar and aspen wood along with other scrap wood. Slowly, I bring the fire up to the desired temperature, building a solid bed of coals, then cover and cool for a few days.

     Unloading the kiln, I am always surprised to see the results. Colors and contrast can range from fleshy peach, tan, dark brown, purple, burgundy, smoky grey to black. You never know what kind of linear or cloud-like design will occur and you cannot control it either. That is the magic and what keeps me intrigued. There is a stellar, phenomenal, whimsical feel to the overall surface of the pot that connects with the viewer. If this happens to me, I know the piece is a success. These pots are purely decorative and are meant to be visually appreciated and not consumed out of.