Local potter, Herrick H. Smith of Smithworks Studios described his experience organizing the many moving pieces it took to build his beautiful kiln — christened “The St. Augagama” — saying “Nothing is a coincidence.” The kiln is an Anagama, translated from Japanese to mean “cave kiln,” describing the traditional tunnel kilns built into the hillsides. While this type of kiln will usually include billowing smoke, the St. Augagama is located in uptown St. Augustine, and has been designed with a second Sutema chamber allowing them to prevent smoke from polluting the surrounding environment. This kiln is the only one of this style in Northeast Florida, to bring in the new year, Herrick, his family, and his community of enthusiasts and artists came together for the inaugural firing. When he and his wife moved back to his hometown to start a family they realized that the woodfire community was something they couldn’t lose.
For 9 years they have been saving and working towards the kiln they have felt called to build for his family and the uplifting community he hopes to gather. “This is bigger than I can build or fire by myself on purpose,” Herrick explained that this summer he hosted a two-week workshop where 37 artists and potters came to put in the work it would take to construct the kiln. One of the contributing artists shared “Woodfires are really really special, not just because of the quality of the work but because you can’t do it alone.” Listening to each other speak about how much the experience meant to them brought tears to their eyes when they realized what an impact this calling has had on their lives and their work.
