188: Simon Levin on understanding the dynamics of wood firing

Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Simon Levin. His interest in wood firing has led to over 20 years of active research into Anagama, Cross draft and Train style kilns. He uses the turbulent flame path inside these kilns to create rich surfaces on his ceramic vessels. In our interview, we talk about learning to harness the complex variables of wood firing, defining mastery within the ceramic process, and his unique apprenticeship system. Simon has helped educate seventeen potters at his Mill Creek Pottery in Gresham, WI. For more information on Simon visit www.simonlevin.com.

This week’s Tales of a Red Clay Rambler episode is sponsored by Northern Clay Center’s MN NICE PROGRAM.  The New institute for ceramic education is entering its fourth year of this advanced certificate program lead by Ursula Hargens. MN NICE provides rigorous, personalized instruction for artists who are serious about taking the next step in their ceramic education. Designed to respond to the changing needs of makers the course provides high-level training in ceramic materials, history, theory, and professional practice. The program consists of three 8-week blocks of instruction, beginning annually in September and ending the following May. Applications are still being accepted for Fall 2017 enrollment. More information on this unique learning opportunity can be found at northernclaycenter.org.