Wood firing is the oldest process used to make pottery, creating a unique aesthetic that is not reproducible by other methods. Construction and firing of a wood burning kiln in Northwest Arkansas will be a collaborative effort and have a lasting impact on the local arts community, filling a gap in resources available to our ceramic artists. This project will be an educational experience which will expand the knowledge base of local ceramicists and bring exposure not only to the method, but to the region itself on a national level.
Sangeet Gupta is a ceramic artist and educator who has been making both functional and sculptural wood fired work for over 15 years. While living in Chicago, he began making pottery and was quickly drawn into the process of firing a wood burning kiln and the unique aesthetic it creates. Upon returning to his hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2019, he began the task of building a studio and wood kiln in Winslow. Sangeet was honored to exhibit his large vessels this summer at the Walton Arts Center in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Arkansas Pottery Festival.