APPRENTICESHIP SUMMARY

This ceramic-based apprenticeship will immerse Krystal Yavicoli in the craft of wood fired ceramics under the mentorship of Jody Johnstone. The apprenticeship focuses on three key goals: learning the preparation, loading and firing of both the anagama and catenary kilns; developing Krystal’s body of work for wood firing, with an emphasis on refining her wheel-throwing techniques; and gaining insight into the business of being a craftsperson. Through intensive hands-on training and thoughtful mentorship, Krystal will deepen her understanding of both the technical and professional aspects of a ceramicist’s practice.

MENTOR

Jody Johnstone (Swanville, ME)

Jody first became interested in pottery when she was living and working in Japan in her early twenties. She apprenticed with National Living Treasure Jun Isezaki in Bizen, Japan for two years in 1994-1995 and moved to Maine to begin construction of her anagama kiln in 1996. She has been a full time wood firing potter since completing the construction of her 24 ft. long anagama kiln in 1997. Jody has exhibited widely and her work has been seen numerous publications and books including Ceramics Monthly, Studio Potter, The Log Book, and Wood Fired Ceramics – 100 Contemporary Artists. Most recently, her work was seen at the University of Maine at Farmington Show, Into the Fire: Anagama Potters in the Circle of Jody Johnstone.

” I was delighted when Krystal approached me about the program. We met two years ago when I was a host kiln for the New England Woodfiring Conference. Our conference firing was Krystal’s first and she jumped right in, even taking the overnight shift! Krystal has stayed in good touch with me as she has gone on to participate in other firings and develop her work and she shows a lot of promise as a ceramic artist. Having learned through apprenticeship, I deeply value the mentor-apprentice relationship and all that can be gained through a good, thoughtful apprenticeship. I am really looking forward to being on the mentor side this time.
” – Jody Johnstone

APPRENTICE

Krystal Yavicoli (Portland, ME)

Krystal holds a BFA from The University of Southern Maine and has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge within the ceramics field. Krystal’s work is inspired and inherently connected to the Earth with the use of organic forms and painterly applications of glaze. Her most recent endeavors have led her to the world of atmospheric firing. She has wood fired with Jody Johnstone and Trevor Youngberg, soda fired with Stuart Gair, and has extensive experience in raku firing. The process of these atmospheric firings are labor intensive and expose you to the elements involved in transforming clay into ceramic, thus furthering the connection of the artist to the work. Krystal shares her knowledge as a teacher of ceramics in Kennebunk, ME.

“I want to work with Jody because she makes working with a wood fire kiln look elegant, amongst what others may consider grueling work. Her organizational and communication skills are crucial to her success as an artist and something I admire. I believe there is a vast amount I can learn from Jody, from her experiences in Japan to her many years of running a successful crew of wood firing artists.” – Krystal Yavicoli