Wood-fired Pottery by Bill Perrine

Bill Perrine is a resident of Central New York. A retired teacher, Bill now spends his time creating beautiful pottery in his hand-built manibagama kiln. Gallery 54 recently welcomed Bill as one of our artists and we are ecstatic to be able share his beautiful pieces with you

From Bill's website www.splitfirepottery.com: "Wood-firing is a traditional process that was first introduced to Japan from Korea in the fifth century. The anagama (single-chambered kiln, wood-fired) allowed temperatures to exceed the 700 degrees previously gotten from bonfires, pit firing, etc. For many centuries the anagama continued to provide the Japanese potters with the aesthetics and ceramics that they desired. But in the early 17th century, the anagama lost its importance and was replaced by the noborigama (multi-chambered climbing kilns) for efficiency reasons. Recently, in the last 20-30 years, the anagama has re surged in popularity, allowing for contemporary expression in ceramics as an art form."

Bill's hand built manibagama kiln in 2009.

One of many unique things Bill is known for making is traditional Japanese teapots and tea bowls. They are not only functional for making fabulous single servings of tea, but also beautiful to look at as an art form. Bill's glazes take on different characteristics from the native woods he uses to fire the kiln. His glazes range from turquoises to rustic browns.

One of Bill's Japanese tea pots

We invite you to stop by the Gallery to see Bill's work as well as that of all our other artists.  We are gearing up for the Holiday season.  Stay tuned for information about our Holiday Open House Friday, December 6!!

Tea bowl