The kohila symposium is an international wood fired ceramics event annually held in Kohila Village, Estonia. Over the past 18 years, the symposium has hosted 187 prominent and emerging artists from 30 countries. The event encourages an international exchange in the field of ceramics as well as enhances appreciation and understanding of wood firing.

The first symposium took place in 2001, after the first anagama-type kiln was built in the Tohisoo Manor Park. The site currently has a nationally recognized anagama and a small bourry-box kiln built by Andres Allik. The studios and accommodations are located in a 17th century manor house used as a local music and arts school and concert hall. The Tohisoo Manor Park is on the Keila River and is walking distance from Kohila Village center.

Every year up to 12 artists are invited for a 3 week period to create new work, collaborate, fire kilns, and share the knowledges beyond our individual practices. During this time artists also give presentations, take trips to sites of interest around Estonia, and participate in a wide cultural experience. The symposium culminates with an outdoor exhibition open to the public. (http://www.kohilasymposium.com)

this year, i had the privilege of being a participant at the 19th annual kohila symposiuM ALong with Irina Chirikova (RU), Eglė Einikytė-Narkevičienė (LT), Charlie Hayes (US), Mitch Iburg (US), Tiina Kaljuste (EE), Rakhee Kane (IN), Yuriy Mustatov (UA) and  Amber Zuber (CA). 

During our three weeks together the participants created enough work to do two wood firings. The first firing was in the bourry box with a focus on doing a cone 8-9 firing with reduction cooling in order to attain matte/cool surface colours. the second firing was in the anagama and included a few new techniques. andres allik (local estonian kiln master and builder of the tohisoo anagama kiln), shared his knowledge of introcucing wheat HUsK at peak temperature (1300*C) to attain a sparkle finish on the pots as it melts. the second technique we introduced was to add charcoal in the side stoke holes at the end of the firing to create a bed of charcoal around the pots and slow the cooling.

once the work was created & the kilns fired we had an opportunity to visit some local estonian attractions including the historic city of viljandi, the old town of tallin, the estonian geological collection, a nouri gama kiln and the estonian art academy.

a few of my pieces that came out of the kilns. some great colours!

as the symposium began to wind down, we had the opportunity to show our work created in a final exhibition for members of the ceramic community, local municipality and anyone interested in viewing the work.

so much gratitude to evelin saul and juss heinsalu for organizing this years symposium! what an amazing event and opportunity to be a part of it - i look forward to following it next year as they head into a celebration of the 20th kohila symposium!