The Bramble Collection: Pit-Fired Ceramics
The Bramble Collection: Pit-Fired Ceramics
Karlene Jean Kantner, 2021.
Uniquely informed and inspired by earthly textures, The Bramble Collection was Karlene’s first body of thought produced after unexpectedly arriving in Massachusetts in 2020. Remarkable in both their execution and survival, these pieces were pit-fired at a family property in West Stockbridge. Dried branches, stalks, and wood collected from the site are used in the firing process, which is slow, intensive, and incredibly risky. Due to the intricate and irregular forms of Karlene’s work, and the fact that the pieces are only air dried before pit-firing, some vessels are claimed by the whims of the pit. To us, this is a remarkable act of meditation, dedication, and sacrifice.
Karlene’s firing method takes twelve to sixteen hours - with consistent stoking of the fire. The fired work then remains buried in the pit for two to three days while the coals reduce and cool. Once entirely cool, the pieces are removed in a simultaneous act of exhumation and rebirth.
As these works are unglazed, they have a porous surface, which makes them suited to dried floral design only.
Includes the following pieces:
Mom’s Purse: 11” wide x 5” deep x 8.5” high.
Charm: 4.5” wide x 4.5” deep x 5” high.
Fieldtrip Cattail: 10” wide x 10.5” deep x 5.5” high.
Rainbow: 12” wide x 5” deep x 9” high.