News | William Baker

Updates

Here We Go Again

It's that time of year again, and I'm heading to Penland to help my pal Shane and a few students rebuild the salt kiln. Luckily for me I barely have to leave the neighborhood. The class met for the first time last night, and we'll get to talking things over and moving some bricks today. Tonight after class I get to unload the wood kiln, fired last week and patiently cooling. Here is a shot of the dress rehearsal for some of the larger pots.

Apr 18, 2011 | Categories: Updates | Comments Off on Here We Go Again

Did I Forget to Mention?

There is an opening reception tonight as part of the big NCECA conference down in Tampa/ St. Petersburg. I was honored to be invited to participate in a show highlighting some of the wonderful ceramic artists who have passed through the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts. I sent some nice pots down for the show, and wish I could be there to see some old pals and some amazing pottery at the Train Station. If you're down in the sunshine state be sure to check it out!

But alas, no rest for the weary. I just returned from a kiln building trip last night, and I have a few short days to make the last pots for my next firing. Here's little shot of the beach at Cape Cod. There's a new Shane Mickey Soda Kiln living on the Cape, in the hands of some really nice folks...but more on that later. Gotta get into the studio.

Mar 31, 2011 | Categories: Updates | Comments Off on Did I Forget to Mention?

Done for Now

Just this weekend I put the final touches on the cross draft salt kiln for Kyle Carpenter, handing over the keys to Kyle who is ready to take it for a test drive any day now. For the last few years I’ve been working with Shane Mickey as he designed and built kilns, working my way up from deckhand to shipmate. This kiln seemed like more of an all round team effort. Shane designed the kiln, working with Kyle to tear down the old kiln, and make sure the new and improved design would fit in the same place as old one. Then Shane handed over the plans to me and I did the moving and lifting, cutting and fitting. One of the many things I've learned from Shane over the years is that kiln building clients really appreciate a little assistance with the first firing, and it has become part of the package. Typically, when the kiln is finished I would plan on being around for the first firing if at all possible, to make sure everything works as it should and that the new owner has a grasp of what 's going on. This is of course even more helpful if the new owner is not very experienced firing kilns, or if the kiln is salt or soda. In this case, Kyle has been firing his own salt kiln for many years now so we've left it in his hands for now with some reminders and things to watch out for. After the first one is done and unloaded, we'll have a look and see what further advice needs dispensing.

Feb 21, 2011 | Categories: Updates | Comments Off on Done for Now

From One Kiln to Another

I’ve been hiding in a cave for the last week…at least that what is feels like. In reality the cave was Kyle Carpenter’s kiln shed and rather than hiding of course I was building a new cross draft salt kiln for him. Things are moving along well and Kyle can’t wait to fire it up a time or two as soon as I’m done. Yesterday was arch day and by the afternoon a big sigh of relief went up and I moved on to building the door. Today and tomorrow I get a day “off” from the build so that Joy and I can load up the methane kiln at the EnergyXchange to do a bisque firing for our impending wood fire. Then it’s back down to Asheville to finish up the chimney so Kyle can get it started. Here’s a little snapshot from a few days ago of the layout of the exit flues, flanged door jamb, etc. before the exit flues got covered over.

Feb 13, 2011 | Categories: Updates | Tags: kiln building, Kyle Carpenter, salt kiln, soda kiln | 1 Comment »

Straight Into the New Year

It’s shaping up to be a busy and exciting year from the looks of the calendar. Getting ready for a firing in a few weeks means another wood day at Pallet Mountain. After a few more weeks working towards filling the kiln I’ll be taking a "break" to head down to Asheville for a kiln-building trip. There are more firings and more kiln builds all ready penciled in through Spring, so stay tuned and I’ll try to keep the updates coming. In the meantime here are a few highlights of some of the ongoing and upcoming events:

Through Aprill 22, 2011, “Western North Carolina Models of Sustainability in Craft Making”, Resident Artist Exhibition, The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design, Hendersonville, NC, http://www.craftcreativitydesign.org
Through February 25, 2011 , “Current Residence”, Western Kentucky University Main Gallery, Bowling Green, KY
March 22- April 16, 2011 , NCECA 2011, Highwater Clays St. Pete presents “Our Adventurous Journey: Odyssey Center for the Ceramic Arts Invitational”, Saint Petersburg, FL
March 25-April 4 2011, AKAR Gallery, 2011 Yunomi Invitational (ONLINE ONLY) ~200 potters, 5 Yunomis each for 2011?s cup show

Here’s a little preview of the cups that wnet out to Iowa for the AKAR Yunomi sale.

Jan 27, 2011 | Categories: Updates | Tags: kiln building, wood fired pottery | Comments Off on Straight Into the New Year

This Weekend

So many events going on this weekend, there's no way you could make it to all of them if you tried. You're just going to have to make some decisions on which way to go. Here's a little list to help you. We've all ready covered the Holiday Sale down at MudFire Gallery in Atlanta. If I was anywhere near there, I'd drop by to see all of the amazing work they've brought in for the exhibit. Up in the mountains of Western North Carolina is the biannual TRAC Studio Tour, a self-guided tour of over one hundred craft studios. This time around I'll be exhibiting at my new studio location at the EnergyXchange. We have several different artists' work to view, and of course some tasty treats and warm beverages. Check out the website for more info, a map, and directions to the gallery in Spruce Pine where a reception is held on Friday night from 5-8pm. And last but certainly not least is the Winter Show at the Green Hill Center for NC Art in Greensboro, North Carolina. I was very pleased to be invited to join the show this year, and surprised at the number of artists participating. The exhibiton, featuring the works of over 125 NC artists, opens to the public on Sunday, December 5 from 2:00 - 5:00pm. The exhibit will remain on view until January 15, 2011. There is a Gala Preview event which requires tickets in advance, and allows first access to the works in the show. Click the image below for more info in tickets to "Collector's Choice Gala 2010". Or click here to see a preview of some of the works.