Artist Statement

The perception of beauty can be found in nature with its predictable, yet still unpredictable patterns.  The beauty of the wood fired process is the creation of a one of a kind piece of work that can never be replicated in its entirety due to the chaotic flux of the fire.  Chaos in essence is order disguised within disorder and such is the wood fired process.  Utilizing elements of nature including raw earthen clay, ash glaze, wood, and fire, the production of an organically based art form is achievable.  We believe strongly in the interaction and experience of humans with art forms, as art in its earliest creations was interwoven with daily life.  Wood Fired Pottery with a focus on functional wares achieves these ideals.

 Shawn M. Grove and Bryan Mattraw have been sharing and working together as potters in Lucketts for the past seven years.  It is evident that they have a passion for the creative process and sharing this with others.  Be sure to visit their studio and be prepared to come away with a story.

Detailed information on the wares created at the Pottery

WHY WOODFIRE

As the name implies the fuel source of this type of firing is wood. The temperatures achieved are in the range of 2300-2500 degrees F. This makes the clay strong and watertight. The vapors and ash from the wood add to the color and texture of both the raw clay body and glazes. The results are somewhat unpredictable due to innumerable variabless in the wood and the labor of introducing the wood by hand.

SALTGLAZING

During a firing salt can be added at temperatures beginning around 2100 degrees F. The salt melts and then vaporizes, breaking down into sodium and chloride. This process also melts the silica on unglazed surfaces of the pot. The sodium and silica bind together to form a glaze that often has a rich texture referred to as "orange peel".

Both Woodfired and saltglazed pots are dish washer and microwave safe, but are not intended for the range or oven.

Offering on tour: Pottery Demonstrations on a kick wheel
Tour of the kiln
Refreshments
Sales of pottery