CeciCapenClayStudio

In 2006 I moved to a new city and was building my new studio. I was out of the loop regarding any local artist groups at the time but knew I needed a creative space.

In 1996 I started doing pottery because I lived on the coast of Oregon and it rained a lot. I needed something to do that was not in the rain. I took a community pottery class and that was the beginning.

What I really love about having my home studio in Central Oregon is that I can go into it anytime of the day and night. So o.k. sometimes I run down there in my pajamas in the middle of the night to check on the kiln or to cover pieces to allow it to dry slowly. But, hey! It works for me! But get this……in the year 2020 my husband and I returned to the great state of Texas. What a wild year!!

I like to say that I'm a closet pyromaniac since I love fire so much. The instant gratification of raku is crazy cool! Raku pieces are fired outside in a propane gas kiln. It's take to 1800 to 1850 degrees. The gas is then turned off and the pieces are taken out red hot using iron tongs. It's then placed in a reduction can with shredded newspaper and or pine needles. The hot piece will instantly set the paper on fire. A lid is then placed over the can to smoke the pottery and allowed to cool. This sets the glaze.

I use a mid range clay which means I fire to 2165 degrees for my functional pieces. I'm always experimenting with forms or glazes. Sometimes it works out and sometimes not. That's the beauty or the beast of being a ceramic artist. On the days I get to unload the electric kiln.....it's like Christmas.