EAST CREEK ANAGAMA EXPERIENCE with Frank Boyden, Wilamina, Gregon, May 24th to June 3rd, 1990

A few years ago, Oregon potters Frank Boyden, Tom Coleman, and Nils Lou got together on a mission to build thelr own anagama. Thirty-some firings later, we were fortunate to experience helping to fire this gentle giant. Over the 24th of May weekend, Frank Boyden, Don Reltz, seven polters from the Seward Park and Potters Northwest Association of Seattle and ourselves made up the crew for the next three days.

Day One: Frank Boyden spent pains- taking hours loading pots In Just the night spot, hoping to achieve a desirable fired result. Two foot diameter platters were leaned against the outer walls and ata certain angle, and often undera side stoking hole for the ash build-up that would be produced. Unlike traditional loading in anagamas, lots of kiln shelves were used, and pots were not tightly packed In consideration of the flow of the lame. Once the door was bricked up, Lynne (being the furthest from home) started the fire in the air hole in the botteam of the door to slowly warm the Kiln. A couple of hours later, at twenty minute intervals. three to five pleces of alder were dropped through the front stoking hole, This was kept up through- out a rainy cold night by people taking three-hour watches,

Day Two dawned cold, and the gentle giant was in the 700 degree Fahrenheit range. The slow rhythm of stoking was continued throughout the day. A group of ua went to visit the David Shaner show at the Maveety Gallery in Sal- lshan. His wood-fired, addised copper Thanganese pieces are simple, strong and so cirect, There is also an incredible enllection of outstanding potters and other craftspeople in this Gallery.

By 3:30 pm Cone 05 was bending in the front area, and it was time for the first beady reduction, This involved loading up the firebox with lots of alder until the flames pulsed in and out through the stoking hole, and black smoke came out the chimney. The firebox was “topped up* as reduction was maintalmed for about an hour. Then the slow climb eontinied until about 11:50 pm, when the middle section was warm enough and a second body reduction was be- gun. All started well until suddenly, the

kiln lid covering the stoking hole col- lapsed in a crumble at the foot of the kiln. Another door was quickly rigged up so that only a minor delay in reduction occurred.

Day Three saw the kiln continuing tts alow steady climb, so off we went for breakfast al the local “Rocket Cafe*. By neon, Cones 12 and 13 were still stand- ing in the front chamber, but they flnalhy succumbed in the early afternoon. Fir had replaced the alder as the fuel source, and the rhythm intensified with a re- duction/oxidation cycle occurring with

every stoking,

Dinner evolved into a barbegqued fresh

oyster feeding frenzy, as the anagama continued tts slow climb,

Once Cone 10 and 1] were bending in the middle section, rhythmic side stok- ing began and later joined with the side stoking tn the rear areas. As well, occa- stonal stoking in the front kept that area warm.

About five hours later, Cones 12 and 13 were bending In the rear of the kiln anc it was time to stoke the side holes with charcoal, sending breathtaking fireworks out the chimney. The side stoking holes and front brick door were sealed up, and

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By Cathi Jefferson & Lynne Johnson

the kiln was allowed! to con] over the mex week,

One week later, a cooling Kiln revealed the treasures only fire can impart to clay, The unloading ts an occasion with much excitement, and this firing was no exception. Some pieces glowed with warmth from the flame, while others hed been showered with ash.

The experience was an opportunity to share in the firing of an anagama, as well as to get to knew and understared! some fellow potters. Frank Boyden has @ fentle intensity. and a keenness for both clay and people. A legendary figure auch as Don Reitz shares so much of himaelf with others, with an energy and enthusiaam for clay that hasn't dimin- ished over the years.

This gentle giant anagama helps to re- establish one's basic priorities with clay-

Cathi Jeffersen and Lynne Johnson ore ELC. potters and ceramic artists [ving in North Vancouver and Courtenay, respec- tively, and we thank them for sharing this experience with us,

Note; Cris Giuffride of Chase, B.C, works with an anagamea, and is still interested in having a video made of the firing event.

Seplember, 190