KARI ALBRIGHT
Kari Albright was born and raised in Chicago, where she later met her
husband, David. Wanting to escape the city life, they moved to Sims,
Arkansas shortly after starting their family. In 1988, Albright
began to build an extensive arts and crafts program for Camp Ozark in
Mt. Ida, Arkansas. The program continues to thrive under Albright's
direction and with the addition of pottery to the the curriculum, she
discovered her true calling.
The artist's love of fire and its visually mesmerizing effect drew
her to the ancient technique of sawdust fire. The process begins
with shaping the pot on the wheel or by hand-building. While still
in the leather hard stage, the vessel may be brushed with layers of
terra sigillatta, burnished and left to dry thoroughly, or sometimes
the clay is left in its raw state. The piece is then low-fired in an
electric kiln for added strength. The final firing takes place in a
barrel, brick enclosure or teepee. Various substances, from plant
products to chemicals, are wrapped around the pot. Sawdust, sticks,
pine needles, newspaper, etc. are placed on top and amongst the
pieces in the firing area and then ignited. When the fire has burned
down to hot glowing coals, a loose lid is placed on top and the fire
is left to smolder and smoke until it is completely burned out and
cooled. The firing process usually takes one to two days, afterwhich
the pieces are then taken out to be cleaned and admired.
Albright's work is comprised of simple lasting forms with random
patterns of fire and smoke expressing qualities of softness,
sensuality and earthiness. Her pottery has been displayed in a
variety of venues including inclusion in an exhibit at Senator
Blanche Lincoln's Washington, D.C. offices.
