Created in 2024 in the Filipino province of Bataan, this project emerged from an in-depth material exploration of the local clay.

 

Using a self-built wood-fired kiln, the project showcased the results of an intimate interplay between material and the human body. The kiln, inspired by the traditional Japanese Anagama design, produced iridescent colors on the fired pieces.

The terracotta objects featured fine cracks on their surfaces, a result of temperature fluctuations and the absence of grog. These cracks not only added to the visual appeal but also highlighted the unique material properties and challenges associated with working with wild clay. The firing process revealed the clay’s responsiveness to the intense heat and its ability to transform in unpredictable yet beautiful ways.

This first firing served as a crucial learning experience. The insights gained from observing the effects of temperature variations and material composition will be implemented in the next batch making this project an iterative learning process.

 

More importantly though, the motivation of this exploration lies beyond the mere refinement of technique. Instead it searches for an intuitive, embodied understanding of the local clay, its character and behaviour – a tactile dialogue with the land which raises questions and provides insights into its personal material agency.