Anagama Wood Kiln - She was christened Lucinda by the crew that built her
The anagama is an ancient type of Japanese pottery kiln that is fueled entirely by wood to achieve high
fired ceramics (2500°F). This style of kiln is rare outside of Asia, with fewer than a dozen built in all of
Canada. Woodfiring in this tradition is a rigorous process, requiring a constant source of fuel (~6 cords of
wood per firing), and a team of dedicated participants over the course of several days (90-125 hours of
continuous stoking).
fired ceramics (2500°F). This style of kiln is rare outside of Asia, with fewer than a dozen built in all of
Canada. Woodfiring in this tradition is a rigorous process, requiring a constant source of fuel (~6 cords of
wood per firing), and a team of dedicated participants over the course of several days (90-125 hours of
continuous stoking).
Lucinda came into being during a heatwave, the summer of 2014. The labour was backbreaking at times and easy going at others. It extended for just over a week, start to finish, which was deemed remarkable when it was all said and done. Lucinda weighed in at 60,000 lbs, give or take and was birthed by a dedicated group of clay lovers and refractory buffs. For a wee fee, people came from afar to partake in a kiln building workshop led by Robin and Martin Tagseth. The founding of this anagama was thanks to the enthusiasm and skillset of this combined group of people, that worked like dogs in the heat, swam in the river every day and feasted on the finest pies.
Immediately following construction, she was filled full of wares and fired to top temperature. The week of her inaugural firing, was hotter than her conception and was the last summer firing we ever did. Forest fire and smoke seasons now a recurring concern during our summer months here in the Kootenays, Lucinda firings happen now in the fall or spring when the ground is clear of ice and the air whispers promises of moisture.
Immediately following construction, she was filled full of wares and fired to top temperature. The week of her inaugural firing, was hotter than her conception and was the last summer firing we ever did. Forest fire and smoke seasons now a recurring concern during our summer months here in the Kootenays, Lucinda firings happen now in the fall or spring when the ground is clear of ice and the air whispers promises of moisture.
