EXPLORING FLAME, EMBERS & ASH

I completed a degree in ceramics at Harrow University in 2001 where I became intrigued by wood-fired ceramics and kiln building. I have since built several wood-fired kilns and been exploring the unique colours, surfaces and effects which can only be achieved with this process.

In 2020 I built a 140 cubic foot anagama (cave) kiln which is fired with offcuts of wood from a local sawmill.  The kiln is fired for around 50 hours and needs constant attention to build the temperature to above 1300 degrees centigrade. At this temperature the ash from the wood melts to form a glaze. I explore and accentuate these protracted and extreme firings by developing my own clays, glazes and slips which respond to the flame, ember, and ash. I’m fascinated by how the burning wood can imprint its energy onto the clay and how varying the atmosphere of the kiln can maximise the kilns potential. I aim to create vessels which intimately communicate the elemental processes that they have been through. .

Workshop/Education

2021 - on-going - Leach Pottery throwing tutor - www.leachpottery.com

2023 - Promas Community Clay workshop - www.promas.co.uk

2023 - Clay college Master class - www.claycollegestoke.co.uk

2025 - La Meridiana Woodfired Master class - www.lameridiana.fi.it

Exhibitions/Galleries

Harlequin Gallery, ‘Fire & Energy’ (London) 2003

Clay College ‘Soda & Fire’ (Stoke on Trent) 2020

Clay College ‘Out of the Ordinary’ (Stoke on Trent) 2021

Newlyn Art Gallery ‘Cornwall Design: The Art of Making’ (Newlyn) 2022

Clay College ‘Wood Fired’ (Stoke o Trent) 2023

Thrown Contemporary ‘Trace’ (London) 2023

The Leach Pottery - www.leachpottery.com

House of Hope and Mercy in the Jungle - www.thehouseofhopeandmercyinthejungle.co.uk

 Selected Member of the Craft Potter Association and recipient of CPCT funding - www.craftpotters.com

Enquiries

jmackener@hotmail.com