It might not be apparent to many of you why I don't just glaze my work. This new bowl shows how magical the smokefire can be. With a small amount of moss and some red pine shavings, this bowl was transformed into swirling gas clouds and far away galaxies, or maybe a Turner sunset. As frustrating as the process can be, the moment when these gems emerge from the fire make it all worthwhile. For a moment you feel like a person who has created a masterpiece (that feeling never lasts) and its utterly addictive.

. .