Here I am opening the kiln after the Fall 2025 firing. My Father took this photo.  He has always been a hobby photographer and used a Hasselblad camera and shot B&W so this is appropriate.  Even though he used his iPhone.

The Kahoona — a wood-fired kiln, Andes, New York

The Kahoona is a wood-fired kiln built by hand in the Catskill Mountains — a catenary arch chamber with a large firebox, side stoking port, and a fourteen-foot chimney. It holds approximately two hundred pieces across sixteen shelves.

Each firing runs for forty continuous hours, fuelled entirely by locally sourced timber and offcuts from nearby sawmills. Temperatures reach 1,300°C / 2,350°F before the kiln enters a period of reduction cooling. The chamber remains sealed for three to four days before opening — the moment that reveals what the fire has made.

Ash carried through the chamber lands on unglazed surfaces and melts into glass. Flame leaves scorch and shadow. No two firings — and no two pieces — are alike.

The Kahoona was built in loving memory of my brother, Tony.

40+ hrs

Continuous Firing

1,325°C

Peak Temperature

2 times

Firings per year