Diane Kenney

Carbondale, Colorado

Title: Wood-Fired Vase

Year of Creation: 2007

Glaze: Shino slip on exterior with shino glazed interior and partial exterior

Clay Body: Porcelaneous stoneware

Dimensions: Height 8 inches, Width 3.5 inches at top

Artist's Statement: My primary focus in clay has always been functional pots, which still fully engage my attention. Firing my work atmospherically, either in my wood or soda kiln, suits me best. Wood-firing is an intense, long, hot and fun process. It is also a mysterious and spiritual experience, starting with a lump of clay and ending with a piece blessed by the fire and ash.

What if? What if I try this or do that, I ask myself as I work and pay attention to the pots as they tell me what to do next. I am looking for integrity of form and surface in my work, along with beauty, generosity, rightness of proportion - and, elements of surprise. I am celebrating the great pleasure of making pots and learning more from every piece and from every firing.