Daniel Lafferty
I have over 40 years of pottery production experience focusing on wheelwork, natural ash glazes, wild clay and wood firing.
I began making pottery at the age of 16, experimenting with various techniques and building different kilns. In the 1980s, I completed a Diploma in Ceramics at the Canberra School of Art, Australian National University. Following that, I focused on developing essential production skills and spent many hours refining my wood-firing techniques with Ian Jones at Laughing Frog Pottery in Gundaroo.
My studio facilities were decimated in the Black Summer Fires. It was almost a year before the site was cleared and a new studio built, and I was ready to prepare for a firing - transforming over 600 kilos of 'wild' clay into enough works to fill my hand-built kiln, and splitting wood for a 100-hour firing. Here's my firing story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDUOtlVc4UM
I am a kiln builder using the Islamic-inspired squinch arch method. This method uses the bricks themselves to form arches and you don't need to use formwork. I have built many kilns using this method and it stands the test of time.
I have a deep affection for the wood firing process and fire my kiln for 70-120 hours duration up to temperatures of 1320`C with the assistance of friends, colleagues and wood firing teams. I am using my 180 cf wood-fired trolley kiln that I built.
I love what the Bega Valley can offer a potter. I make my own speciality 'wild' clay from a mix of Mayfield white clay and terracotta clay from our creek. I have gathered a huge load of pine trees that burnt during Black Summer fires so I am rich in firewood! I enjoy working in my natural environment and utilising raw pottery materials such as clay and 'wild' glaze materials, wood ash, feldspar and pyrophyllite.
My clay is unique to me, and I use liner glaze to enhance the natural effects of clay, stone, wood, fire, and ash in my thrown forms. I am drawn to the endless variations of natural ash glazes that beautifully capture the essence of both the clay body and the firing process. I create functional wares and exhibition pieces that feature warm earth tones and are inspired by Korean aesthetics.
I am a dedicated and passionate wood fire specialist potter and instructor. I have been invited to participate in specialist wood fire events worldwide - Gulgong Australia, Japan, France, Iowa and Montana USA. I created a unique event called On The Edge of the Shelf International Wood Firing Festival at Mystery Bay through my connections to wood-firing networks.
My works can be found at Tathra Wharf, Belconnen Arts Centre and at the Lazy Lizard Gallery Cobargo.
Daniel Lafferty 2025
