Firing in an Anagama Kiln
Anagama 窖窯 (pronounced: ah·nah·gah·ma) is Japanese for “cave kiln”. This ancient type of kiln was brought to Japan from China via Korea in the 5th century. The anagama is an earthen structure built in a sloping shape with a firebox at one end and a chimney at the other.
In contrast to the more common overnight firing process of an electric or gas fired kiln, the anagama is fueled by a 24-hour continuous supply of wood for several days. The burning wood produces ash, volatile salts and heat up to 2,500 °F (1,400°C).
Complex interactions between flames, wood ash, salts and minerals in the clay create a unique natural glaze. The placement of ceramic pieces within the kiln can also distinctly affects appearance. Pieces closer to the entrance may receive heavy coats of ash or be immersed in embers, while others further back may only be softly touched by fire and ash. Each piece is truly one-of-a-kind.
Though some results are semi-predictable, the natural glaze produces great variation in colors, textures, and patterns. The heat moves in waves, painting the ceramic vessels with fire and ash. This is the most magical part about firing in an Anagama. You never really know how each piece will turn out. I like to think of it as a collaboration between the artist and Mother Nature.
I began firing in an anagama at East Creek Art in early 2020. Located within the coastal mountain range on the ancestral lands of the Tillamook, Siletz and Yamhill Tribes (“Willamina, Oregon”), East Creek Art is home to ceramic and sculpture art, education, food, tradition and community.
Built in 1983 by Oregon artists Nils Lou, Tom Coleman, and Frank Boyden, the 40 foot-long anagama can fire up to 2,000 ceramic pieces. It can take between two to three days to load the kiln with an 8-person crew. Crew sizes are typically larger but due to the pandemic only a small size is allowed. The anagama is fed a mix of fir and oak wood every few minutes about six days. People take day and night shifts to stoke and watch over the kiln. While this is an intensive process, a strong sense of community is built within the kiln crew.
Once the firing process is complete, the kiln cools down for about two weeks. This allows for maximum crystallization from the ash deposits to settle and form on each ceramic piece. Unloading the kiln takes up to two days and involves grinding off overflowed glaze or wadding (refractory material used to keep pieces from sticking to the kiln shelf or another piece when ash melts).
Due to the pandemic and its many gathering restrictions, I haven’t experienced stewarding the kiln. However, in Fall 2021 I will finally get the opportunity to have an 8-hour kiln shift and camp out at East Creek Art.
Check out www.eastcreekart.org to learn more, sign up for one of their many workshops (beginners welcome), apply for an artist residency and more!
