NATALIE WARRENS CERAMIC DESIGN

From 1973 to 2008, my work has come full circle, back to high-fired work. Only this time, it is even hotter than most gas fired kilns and the fuel is new to me: wood.

I have discovered, with the help of generous potters, an ancient firing technique in the new millennium. Woodfiring in an Anagama kiln has literally rekindled my relationship to clay and fire. The ultimate reward is not the pottery, but the sense of community which surrounds the various kiln sites in the Pacific Northwest.

While I continue to work in low fire earthenware clay (1800 degrees Fahrenheit) and fire in a digitally controlled electric kiln, I am taking time to experiment with several high temperature stoneware and porcelain clay bodies, and when invited to an Anagama firing, strive to make specific work for each kiln.

Low fire allows me to control not just the glaze colors, but also the designs, as most of my pieces are airbrushed with underglazes. The results are crisp images in electric, neon colors. This work is often mistaken for glass.

Woodfire is about letting go of control: letting the clay come alive, often without glaze, and allowing the flame and wood ash to make their marks.

Both techniques seem so opposite, yet I feel that what I learn about form and surface in low fire and woodfire will only bring new energy to the clay and greater enthusiasm to my work.

For more information, or to see my resume, see the contact page.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS • 2008

Art Fairs and Exhibitions

Ceramic Showcase, Portland, OR. April 25-27, Oregon Convention Center.

10am-9pm, Friday & Saturday. 10am-5pm, Sunday. www.ceramicshowcase.org

ArtFest, Spokane, WA. May 30-June 1, Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

Friday, noon-8pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. http://web.mac.com/lakewood.center/Wood_Fired_Ceramics_Exhibit_2008/2008_Wood_Fired_Ceramics_Exhibit.html

www.northwestmuseum.org/northwestmuseum/sub.aspx?id=1124

“Painting with Fire: Wood Fired Ceramics”, Lake Oswego, OR. Lake Oswego Center for the Arts, June 20-22.  http://web.mac.com/lakewood.center/Wood_Fired_Ceramics_Exhibit_2008/2008_Wood_Fired_Ceramics_Exhibit.html

Cain Park, Cleveland, OH. July 11-13, Cleveland Heights’ Cain Park. www.cainpark.com

State Street Area Art Fair, Ann Arbor, MI. July 16-19. On N. University. http://www.a2statestreetartfair.com/

 

Park City Kimball Arts Festival, Park City, UT. August 1-3. Friday from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Saturday from 9 am -7 pm and

Sunday from 9 am - 6pm. http://www.kimball-art.org/artfestival.htm

 

Art in the Pearl, North Park Blocks, Portland, OR. Labor Day Weekend, August 30- September 1, 10am-6pm.

September 3, 10am-5pm.  www.artinthepearl.com

Annual Holiday Sale, Stark Street Studios and Gallery

2809 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR. November 28-30, 11am-5pm & December 6 & 7, 11am-5pm

 

Teaching and Workshops

Firing and Glazing Techniques, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR. Spring Semester, 2008.

Ceramics: I, II, III. Mt. Hood Community College, Gresham, OR. Spring quarter, 2008.

To be announced...

 

LOW FIRE

WOOD FIRE

CONTACT

website photo credits : Courtney Frisse

website design : Tangent - updated : 2008