Cate White Anagama Wood Fired Ceramic Head #9 (Widemouth)

Hand-dug, local clay. Anagama firing at the Cider Creek Collective in Albion, CA

Anagama is an ancient Japanese clay firing technique in a walk in, wood kiln that requires a community of artists adding wood to the fire every 2 or 3 minutes around the clock for 7 days. This intensive technique creates a range of natural organic patterns and colors that are impossible to replicate.

As the wood burns, the ash, embers, and smoke interact with the clay, creating random variations that ensure that every piece has it's own character. An underglaze was used on Heads 1 and 2, and traces of the color remain. The glazing on the rest of the heads is a result of the atmospheric influence inside the kiln.