My
fascination for expanding the look of kilns, buildings and sculptures
has become very important to me. Every time I see architectural structures
like the famous pueblo style church outside of Taos, New Mexico
or the Makovecz Catholic church in Paks, Hungary I image
them as possible kiln designs. The fascination is in how to build
them, how to fire them and how to solve the problems to make them
work.
Creating
speciality kilns with unusual shapes and innovative firing systems
will be my main challenge in the next few years. Approaching kiln
designing as a sculptural statement or composition may expand the
way we all perceive kilns and the possibilities that are within
reach to send send kilns into the new century.
. . . . . . . . .
Over
the years I have built many different kilns in various parts of
the world. University and college kiln yards have been developed
using my kiln designs and I have led many workshops, facilitating
staff and students wishes for interesting but efficient firing kilns.
The kilns at Hohr Grenzhausen in Germany, the traditional home of
saltglaze, was an excellent example of team work - from the consultations
with staff and the enthusiasm of the student group, to complete
an anagama kiln sharing its chimney with the fast fire kiln built
alongside.
The
last couple of years I have returned almost full circle, building
kilns where I learnt the art - Japan. I have built two kilns - a
large cross draft anagama and a new oil fired kiln for Rjoyi Matsumiya's
Kanayama Pottery in Aomori, Japan.
If
you are interested in commissioning a new kiln to be built, or in
hosting an Olsen kiln building workshop, please contact me to discuss
the possibilities.
Click
on the links on left to see the photographs of some
of my projects.
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