Flames bellowed near the grounds of the Fire Arts Building on March 14. Smoke rose into the sky.
The Northwest Art Department purchased of the oldest technologies to mankind, a wood-fire kiln. The kiln, named "Luna," is located in front of the Fire Arts Building on a deck specifically built for the kiln.
The kiln took approximately two weeks to complete, with Assistant Professor Laura Kukkee's ceramics classes building it during classes, ceramics major Lyzz Robertson said.
"Building and firing a wood kiln requires a large team effort and long hours of work," Kukkee said. "It took many students from the ceramics program and the Art Department to get the job done."
Sam Hoffman, a studio potter from Oregon who is an acknowledged expect in the construction of kilns and the wood firing of ceramics, helped with the construction of the kiln.
An official lighting ceremony for the kiln took place on March 12. During the lighting, about 150 projects remained in the clutches of the kiln until March 14. During the event, the kiln was finished being loaded. Hoffman spoke on behalf of the special occasion. The kiln was also "blessed" with salt and sake, representing the purification of the kiln, Kukkee said. Incense was burned, and the kiln was toasted with sparkling grape juice. The lighting ceremony could be described as an inauguration, like a ribbon cutting for a new building, Kukkee said.
The kiln was named "Luna" for many reasons. The sprung arch that supports the firing chamber is in the shape of a moon. Also, the kiln was lit for 36 hours with students spending time at night, working shifts to watch the kiln. Some artists also believe kilns are feminine, which is why the kiln received a feminine name, Kukkee said.
The kiln was constructed using wood and brick. It can last in a university setting for up to 20 years, Kukkee said.
Kukkee said students who learn wood firing normally have a greater understanding of modern techniques.
"They have to learn the whole process," Kukkee said. "How to construct the kiln, how to fuel the furnace, how to control the temperature, the amount of work that's involved. It's a very valuable experience."
Students who get to work with the kiln seem to enjoy the experience, as well. Robertson enjoys the kiln most of all.
"The kiln is great," Robertson said. "I love having it here."
For more information on the kiln or the Fire Arts Department, e-mail Kukkee at Kukkee@nwmissouri.edu.
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