Lisa Eppolito

about the work, process & community

I make functional, wood and soda-fired pottery. There are central understandings about process, environment, and relationships, I place in the objects I make. I create vessels that consider the wood-firing process. Firing pottery in a wood kiln produces distinctive outcomes, both controlled and uncontrolled. I acknowledge the atmosphere of the kiln, using glazes and flashing slips that interact with melting wood ash. Wood ash vitrifies and produces a natural glaze. Therefore, my forms intend to encourage subtleties such as catching wood ash deposits, controlling pooling, and encouraging flashing. I observe how the vessel and flame speak to one another, capturing information on the surface.

Each firing brings me knowledge of the flame, pot, and kiln, strengthening my relationship to the process. Moreover, I accept not knowing all the variables at play during each firing. There is an endless search for different results, and a wood kiln offers a rich array of variables.

In 2016, I opened Lisa Eppolito Pottery, now known as Wayfaring Potter. With the help of family, I constructed a studio in my home, in Fredonia, NY. I teach pottery classes to youth and bring students opportunities to create with clay and learn about atmospheric firings. I fire my work in Sheridan, NY at Scott Creek Fire Place with Marvin Bjurlin, Ron Nasca, and the Chautauqua Area Potters (CAP). This charming site provides me with access to an anagama, fast-fire, and cross-draft wood/soda kiln. Here, I continue to find my intrigue with clay, wood, and fire. These simple substances have endless potential.