Post #380636 by Babalu on Thu, May 15, 2008 10:06 PM

WOW! That full kiln sure is a pretty sight! I love seeing these action shots...

You sir are one prolific individual...There is just nothing better than the feel of a hand made mug is there. It's also very cool to see that you are hanging out with folks at your local potters guild over there too. I really should be doing the same here in San Diego.

It's so much fun when your in a room full of people who are of the same ilk. When I was living in Denver several years ago I use to get the opportunity (a few times a year) to be part of the firing off of John Balisteri's Anagama. Talk about fun!...there just nothing finer than staying up all night stoking an Anagama with wood. If you ever get the chance...man, you have to be a part of a big wood firing like this. Check out John's Site... http://johnbalistreriartist.com/ cruise through the early years area to see his Anagama. This dude has really gone places since the last time I was over at his house...The guy is getting as big as Peter Volkus was these days.

I see after doing a quick online search that there is an Anagama in Hawaii owned by an artist named Clayton Amemiya http://www.dahawaiistore.com/tsuhaanagama.html ...I don't know much about this guy but he sure looks like he's been around. You should give him a call and see if you can be part of one of his wood firings sometime...tell him you'll just cut wood, or whatever he wants you to do just to be able come over to watch and learn. It's one of those things as a ceramicist you just have to experience. Glaze from ash is a beautiful thing :)

And hey, thank you for the WD-40 tip...I'll have to try this. I've always used veggie oil or Pam spray, but I can see where WD-40 could work too...sure.