candice roeder

although I have been making potteryfor 14 years,
my work still holds an exciting element of surprise.
while there is a range of expectations,
i must surrender my work to the open fire,
where the colors and random markings on the pots occur.
it is this painting with fire that brings the work alive.
my primary firing technique is pit firing,
based on the ancient tradition of the bonfire.
every firing carries an inevitable connection
with 10,000 years of past cultures.
it is a technical process that feels like a ritual.
pots are placed on a bed of sawdust in an
open pit and are surrounded with combustible
materials and minerals. more than 100 pounds
of wood are carefully stacked upon the delicate
pots. the fire is lit and the dance begins
as the smoke and flames of bright green
and blue move, painting the pot’s surfaces.
when cool, the pit is unloaded. loss is inevitable,
but the pieces that survive the fire are magically evocative.
touching and holding these pots, one experiences
a feeling of timelessness. some are ancient looking,
earthy and exquisite, others nebulous, echoing the beauty
of nature.

classic pot ll

lidded pot ll

naked raku