An ancient firing process brings people together to create art shaped by the prairie.
In Gathered by Fire, artist Jay Kimball brings the ancient tradition of pit firing pottery to the Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. Jay invites people to take part in a process shaped by fire, natural materials and the surrounding prairie.
For this episode of Backroad Stories, we follow the process from beginning to end.
The day begins with thirty-two ceramic vessels. Participants gather leaves and other natural materials from the beach and wrap them around the pottery. Jay then adds salt and copper before arranging the pieces in the pit.
Next, he carefully builds a wood fire over the vessels.
Then the waiting begins.
The flames slowly grow before settling into glowing coals and ash. Heat, smoke, minerals and plant material leave their marks on the clay. Together, they create colours and patterns that no one can completely control or reproduce.
When Jay finally pulls the vessels from the ashes, each one brings a surprise.
But the day is about more than pottery.
People gather. They work with their hands. They spend time outdoors. And, for a little while, they slow down.
Jay sees this social side of art making as part of an ancient tradition. Creating together also gives people a chance to stop and notice the world around them.
Perhaps that’s what stayed with me most while making this film.
The prairie isn’t simply a backdrop. Cottonwood leaves, sand, wind, fire and the people gathered on the beach all become part of the experience.
By the time the fire burns away, every vessel carries a different mark from the day.
Backroad Stories is my ongoing exploration of the people, places and experiences that connect us to the prairie and to one another. You can become part of that exploration by joining our community on Patreon. Members see new films first, follow the stories as they develop and help make it possible for me to keep travelling Saskatchewan’s backroads in search of the next story.
