Anagama (tunnel kiln) fired pottery depends on chance kiln events, in particular, the behavior of wood ash circulating at high temperatures causing glaze to form on the clay surfaces in irregular patterns. Although seemingly random, the surface gradations of color are achieved only through deliberate planning and some years of experience. I use local hardwoods like Ohia, Lychee, and Macadamia as fuel. Salt is introduced to the kiln through clay-filled seashells used as stilts and spacers to prevent the pots from fusing to the shelves and each other.

Each 100 hour firing (stoking at 15-20 minute intervals) requires about 3-4 cords of wood. The finished pot displays the interaction between earth (clay), fire, and wind (flying wood ash), truly a collaboration between the potter and nature.