These vessels are made through pinching, coiling, and slab work primarily, although a few pieces are thrown. I prefer the slower methods of production for the meditative benefit they provide and for the natural organic shapes created. Firing methods include smoke firing, raku firing. wood firing, and electric kiln firing. Aside from the latter method of firing, the rest require the cooperation of a group of people working as a team to be successful. One of the joys of this work is the unpredictability of the results. It is exceedingly difficult to predict with any degree of certainty what will happen in these alternative firings. This can be frustrating initially, but it grounds one in the reality of life in general, its unpredictability, and the way in which one must come to terms with it and appreciate every moment while it is here.
