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 Kari Albright Sawdust-Fired Pottery |
Kari Albright was born and raised in Chicago where she later met her
husband, David. Wanting to escape the city life, they moved to Sims,
Arkansas, shortly after starting their family; they have been in their
“Dome Home” ever since. As a wife and mother of three grown children,
Kari enjoys the serenity and peace of her studio at home, amidst the
Ouachita Mountains. In 1988 Kari began the endeavor of building an extensive Arts and Crafts program at Camp Ozark, and it continues to grow and thrive under her direction. Pottery eventually became a part of this program and Kari became “one with the clay” the first time she experienced the process. |
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Kari’s love of fire and its visually mesmerizing effect drew her to
sawdust-fired pottery. The basic process is an ancient technique
that may be approached in many different ways. The following process
is used by Kari: First, a pot is shaped either on the wheel or by
hand-building. While still in the leather-hard stage, it may be
brushed with many layers of terra sigillatta, then burnished and
left to dry thoroughly, or sometimes left raw. The piece is then
low-fired in an electric kiln for added strength. The next step
involves wrapping substances around the pot, or sprinkling
chemicals, plant products, etc. in the container. The piece is in
then fired in a barrel, brick enclosure, or “teepee.” Sawdust,
sticks, pine needles, newspaper, are just a few examples of
materials layered between and amongst the pieces in the barrel, and
small sticks and newspaper are placed on top and ignited. When the
fire has burned down and there are enough hot glowing coals, a loose
lid is placed on top and the fire is left to smolder and smoke until
it is completely burned and cooled. This usually takes one to two
days. The pieces will then be taken out to be cleaned and admired.
The most difficult part of this process is waiting to see what the
“fire gods” have given us! A simple form, adorned with random
patterns of fire and smoke, express qualities of softness,
sensuality, and earthiness. In 2003 and 2004, Kari was honored to have her work displayed in Arkansas Senator Blanche Lincoln’s Washington D.C. office. |
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