The New England Wood Firing Conference, June 2025

at Jody Johnstone Pottery — in Swanville, Maine

In June, as part of the NEWFC, I had the wonderful opportunity to join eleven other talented potters in firing our work in Jody’s catenary kiln. The entire process of glazing, carefully stacking, and firing spanned five days from start to finish. We began by using Jody’s glazes to decorate our pieces, thoughtfully choosing colors and textures. Then, we all pitched in to help as she meticulously stacked the kiln and bricked up the door for firing. We lit the kiln and took turns stoking the fire for three full days — working in six-hour shifts around the clock — until the temperature impressively reached 2,330°F. Two days later, after allowing the kiln to cool completely, we returned eagerly to unload the kiln and see the beautiful results of our collective effort. Opening the door, brick by brick, I felt like I was carefully excavating an ancient archeological site, excitedly glimpsing bits of vibrant color and intriguing shapes as light gradually filtered in. Once opened, we formed a single line to unload our finished pots. Each piece was carefully passed from hand to hand, marveled at, and then placed on the ground in order, so that we could later observe how how flame, ash, and the kiln’s draw had affected our pots and glazes. I totally forgot to count how many pieces we fired! In fact, I was left quite speechless.

What an incredible adventure this turned out to be, centered in clay love, and filled with nature’s wonders, delightful potlucks, music, and the warmth of friendship — truly my favorite things.

Visit The New England Wood Firing Conference to learn more about this event.