Willie L. Leftwich - Artist Statement Wood Firing is not a social effort. It is hard, dirty but satisfying work. For me, wood firing is the most important phase of producing my forms. Only wood firing allows the potter to have total involvement and participation in this final stage of creation. Electric, gas, even Raku firings are, to a great extent, merely modern mechanical extensions rather than the hands-on very primitive experience of wood firing. Glaze quality is enhanced by wood firing. It provides a particular softness and maturity, almost a rounding out, that can be and is sensed by sight and feel. It isn't so much the colors as it is the richness, depth and texture of various unanticipated parts of the form. I invite you to enter the world of wood fired pottery, a primitive, organic world, where each piece is unique and truly one of a kind. A world shared world-wide by all people. Creating functional stoneware pottery has provided me with an alternative to the private practice of law, and given me a chance after having cancer at an advanced age, to work in a medium that I find totally satisfying.