I discovered ceramics 13 years ago on a dare from my best friend Matt Hoenie, and was instantly drawn in—especially by the magic and unpredictability of alternative firing. As a Zen Buddhist priest, I approach each piece as a meditative practice, letting philosophy and mindfulness guide my hands - and accept the results.

I serve as studio director at Kiln Room in Columbus, Ohio, and deeply value the mentorship of Eric Rausch, who has shaped my ceramics journey from the very beginning. I love exploring textures, surfaces, and the alchemy of fire, always seeking to transform the solid, earthy medium of clay into forms that flow, move, and breathe—inviting viewers to feel the energy and spirit within the work.

For me, alternative firing is the confluence of form and shadow. The form gives body and definition to the piece, and alternative firing is all about shadow - the shadow of smoke, of fumes, of burning carbon, of metallic oxides. This show is focussed around how both form and shadow converge and differ when coming to life as 2 dimensional hanging pieces and 3 dimensional sculptures.

– Glenn Gustafson