Stephen Mickey's anagama kiln - Soulgama

A recent article on Stephen Mickey's anagama kiln - Soulgama in The Columbian.  Click on the link for some great insight into the amazing community of wood-fire potters and to read the full article.

Studio Visit - Susan Roden

Over the past few months we've been taking a peak into the studios of our OPA members. Here is a peak at the new kiln that OPA Member, Susan Roden, has built and the results from her first firing.

Susan writes: "A year ago, I took down my gas-fueled pottery kiln, that I had built about 25 years ago. It took me almost nine months to build a new kiln on the same spot. This time I made it able to fire both natural gas (propane) and/or wood.

I knew that the pots would be different and I had many expectations, though I tried not to get my hopes up too high.

The first wood-fueled firing was Saturday, June 19. After a few days of cooling, it was opened Tues, June 22.

I was very pleased with the results.

Speaking of Wood-fire

2009 OPA President Victoria Shaw finally had a chance to wood-fire with the crew at Soulgama in Brush Prairie, WA. It was great having Victoria's gentle spirit at the firing and she was giddy like a school girl during the whole thing, especially the unloading. The kiln gods were kind to all of us and Victoria got some wonderful wood-fire effects on her Stone Healers and Totem pieces. I look forward to seeing them all together at Ceramic Showcase.

Victoria will be featured in an article in the Portland Tribune next week. Keep your eyes open for that one, it's going to be a great article.

Meet an OPA Member: Sandy Segna

Three things about Sandy that have nothing to do with clay.

1. Loves to sip a good microbrew and dance while cooking dinner.

2. Loves her garden and growing her own food.

3. Is working to get Italian citizenship with her brothers and sisters.

Meet an OPA Member:Ted Ernst

3 Things about Ted that have nothing to do with clay

1. Has a secret life as an environmental statistician.
2. Is very social, yet loves to spend a week or two backpacking alone in the mountains.
3. Is an avid birder.

P.S. I just want to add that Ted is a heck of a nice guy. Oh, and that is Natalie Warrens in the background

Meet an OPA Member: Robin Hominiuk

3 thing about Robin that have nothing to do with clay

1. My 2nd dream job would be to be a chef in France.
(she could do it too, she's a great cook)

2. My favorite, only, speed...FAST!!

3. My favorite lipstick color...RED