CORNING, N.Y. -- Ceramics students at SUNY Corning Community College (SUNY CCC) brought their work to life through the firing of the college’s wood-burning anagama kiln, a 24-hour-plus hands-on process.
The kiln was loaded with ceramic pieces created by SUNY CCC students and artists from 171 Cedar Arts, whose volunteers joined students in monitoring the firing. After the fire was started at 10:00 am on Friday, October 23, participants worked in four-hour shifts to observe the kiln through the firing process, which continued until Saturday, October 24 at noon.
Unlike electric kilns commonly used in pottery studios, the campus anagama kiln creates distinctive finishes, as wood ash settles on the ceramic pieces during firing. The combination of ash, glaze, and heat produces results that are unique to each piece.
“The wood ash will hit on the pieces,” explained SUNY CCC alumna Emma Stewart '22, who studied ceramics at the College for three semesters, and now works as a full-time potter at 171 Cedar Arts. “If you get certain glazes on the pots and you get the wood ash on the pieces in a certain way, it’s definitely unique and it’s not something you can actually replicate.”
Stewart has participated in the campus kiln firing several times since her time as a student. She said the experience offers more than the opportunity to create distinctive pottery, participants also spend time together and build a connection through a common interest in ceramics.
Led by Professor Gloriann Langva, the firing gives CCC ceramics students the opportunity to take part in a traditional, hands-on process while working alongside local artists. The collaboration with 171 Cedar Arts also brings members of the wider arts community together through a shared appreciation for the craft.
For those interested in exploring their creativity and developing their artistic skills, SUNY CCC offers opportunities to study ceramics and other areas of the fine arts. To learn more about available programs and courses, visit the Fine Arts and Design program page.