MORE ABOUT ME

My first love has been veterinary medicine for over 20 years. I discovered pottery just before and briefly during vet school. A few years ago while on leave recovering from surgery I reconnected with pottery and have embraced my passion for ceramics to the point of obsession. The challenge of taking a piece of clay and turning it into a beautiful piece of art is truly mesmerizing. There are so many steps to successfully getting that piece of clay through shaping, firing, glazing, firing (and praying the kiln gods shine on you kindly) to turning it into something that will be beautiful, functional and become part of your daily life.

THE PROCESS

Throwing on the wheel

Pottery making is not only a craft—it’s a performance of patience, rhythm, and transformation. Watching a potter's hands skillfully shape soft clay on a spinning wheel is mesmerizing, almost meditative. Each movement is purposeful, turning raw earth into a form both functional and artistic.

Trimming a foot

After the pot is skillfully thrown on the wheel, it’s gently lifted off and set aside to rest. As the clay begins to firm up, it reaches a stage we call leather-hard—still cool and workable, but sturdy enough to handle. At this point, the pot is carefully trimmed to reveal a smooth, defined foot, giving the piece both balance and elegance.

First Wolf came from the last name Blevins. When Blevins’ ancestors came over from Wales the original name had several spelling versions, in Welsh its meanings vary from first wolf and wolf cub/son.

At First Wolf Pottery in Haymarket, Virginia, I create handcrafted pieces that blend artistry with everyday practicality. My work reflects the belief that pottery should not only be visually appealing but also serve a purpose in daily life. Each piece carries the intention of craftsmanship, care, and the joy of creating something meaningful.

Ready to Fire in a Gas Kiln

A high-fire gas kiln is a powerful tool for transforming raw clay into durable, vitrified stoneware. Fueled by natural gas or propane, it allows the potter to control not only temperature—often reaching 2,300°F (1,260°C)—but also the atmosphere inside the kiln. By adjusting airflow and fuel, the firing can be either oxidation or reduction, each producing distinct surface effects. Reduction firing, in particular, draws oxygen from the glazes and clay, coaxing out deep, variegated colors, subtle flashing, and complex textures impossible to achieve in electric kilns. This intense heat fuses clay and glaze into a lasting marriage of form and surface, creating work that’s as strong as it is beautiful.

RAKU: Alternative Firing

Raku pottery is a centuries-old Japanese firing technique celebrated for its beauty, unpredictability, and deep connection to the elements. In the Raku process, ceramic pieces are removed from the kiln while still glowing hot—often exceeding 1,800°F—and immediately placed into a container filled with combustible materials such as sawdust, paper, or leaves. The intense heat ignites these materials, creating a smoky, oxygen-reduced atmosphere that transforms the glaze surface. This dramatic interaction of fire and smoke produces stunning results: lustrous metallic sheens, earthy textures, bold flashes of color, and intricate crackle patterns. No two Raku pieces are ever alike, making each one a singular work of art. Revered for its organic beauty and the way it captures the moment of creation, Raku pottery embodies both tradition and spontaneity, making it a favorite among collectors and ceramic artists alike.