Quick Fire: 5 Questions with Duncan Aird and Emma Smith
We chatted with potters Duncan Aird and Emma Smith about their crowdfunded wood burning kiln and the importance of community in realizing their project.
Why are potters drawn to the wood kiln?
Potters are drawn to the wood kiln because of the community the firing process creates. Wood firings are not easily done on your own and require a great effort from a group of like-minded people. This affords us time away from the solitude of our studios and encourages the flow of ideas and critique. – Duncan
You chose to fund this project using the online fundraising platform Kickstarter, and exceeded your initial fundraising goal by almost $10,000. What has the feedback been like from your backers?
I think we both were confident that we would reach our goal, but were completely surprised with how quickly it happened (we reached our initial goal in under three days). Many of our backers were folks from our communities (friends, family, many potters from the Hamilton and Greater Toronto Area), but we were surprised with the number of international backers, and backers who we had never met, or had no connections to prior to the campaign. Everyone seems really excited about the project, and have been incredibly patient and supportive. We’ve even had local people who are new connections to us, and have offered additional help including assistance at the kiln, or company discounts on equipment and materials that we were in need of. The Kickstarter campaign really built a community of its own. – Emma
The communal aspect of the wood burning kiln was emphasized in your Kickstarter campaign. What is the importance of community to this project, and how has it impacted Hamilton’s local clay community?
The kiln would not have been built without the support of our local community of crafts people. We employed local builders, welders, and excavators. Many local potters came and helped grind and lay bricks. Going forward, we envision the kiln as a teaching tool. It will give us the ability to pass along our knowledge to more potters interested in firing with wood as well as having other potters come to run workshops using our facility. – Duncan
Is there a piece from the kiln’s inaugural firing that you’re particularly proud of?
Our inaugural firing was very special, in many ways. We learned a lot about the kiln, what to do again in the future, and what needed to be changed. One of my favourite pieces from the first firing is a tall, tapered oval vase. I believe that for a woodkiln to produce a beautiful piece, the piece has to be (formally) well executed before it is even fired. The surface can only add so much to the piece. I was pleased with all aspects of this pot. – Emma
What advice would you give to other artists and makers who are interested in using an online fundraising platform to help fund their projects?
Really think out your idea before you launch, and do your research. The Kickstarter was not simple and took days and days of hard work to put it together. It is not as easy as asking for help with a project. You need to find a hook and a way to spread the word. It also doesn’t end when the money comes in. You still need to complete the project and fulfill the rewards you’ve offered. Ours may be almost a whole year from launch to completion. – Duncan
Duncan and Emma will be speaking about their successful Kickstarter campaign and their new DIY wood burning kiln at our upcoming Ceramic Change workshop for emerging artists, taking place January 20. Learn more.