The piece above was thrown on a wheel, then painstakingly hand-burnished twice during the drying process using a smooth stone. After drying completely, it was then burnished one last time with oil.

A preliminary or "bisque" firing prepares pieces for the actual pit fire. The pit firing, as implied, takes place in the earth in a sawdust-lined pit. The pieces are then placed on the sawdust and covered with kelp, wood, other organic materials and kindling. Some pottery may even be wound in copper or steel wool to add color during the firing process. The pit is then set on fire and left to burn overnight.

Colors on the pieces are created spontaneously by the swirling action of the fire and the combustible elements that are added to the pit. No glazes are used. The sheen on the pieces is developed entirely during the many hours of hand-burnishing. Since the patterns and colors are created by the random action of the fire and the influence of the surrounding materials, each pit fired piece is individually and uniquely original.

*Note: Lower firing temperatures are used during this process, therefore these pieces will not hold fluids and are to be used as art only unless sealed inside with varnish or laquer. To care for your piece, polish with a soft cloth using furniture polish.