PROCESS REDUCTION FIRED Reduction-fired pots are fired in a 90 cu. ft., gas-fired kiln adjacent to Vincent's studio. Firings can take up to 24 hours to reach the necessary 1300 C temperature. During the latter stages of firing, the kiln is starved of oxygen, resulting in spectacular colours such as iron yellow, temmoku black, cobalt blue, chun-ash blue and red-earth gold as well as copper red and green. "When you start reducing the air that is mixed with the gas, you get brighter colours than the oxidized, electric fired kilns," he said. By monitoring the kiln himself, opposed to computerized electric kilns, the process is more controlled and offers a uniquely, personalized firing process. With reduction-fired pots, glazes are often applied one over the other and along with a wax resist (similar to batik), the colours manifest themselves in thick, contrasting tones that dramatically ripple into each other. SALT FIRED Salt-fired pots are the newest edition to Vincent's gallery. In 1978 while attending an art school in England, he learned about the over 700-year-old firing process that was first discovered by German potters. The finicky process is not for the faint of heart as the technique takes courage, patience and persistence to master. "The technique has been slowly perfected by a small circle of brave potters who were willing to accept some harsh results that may or may not have satisfied their artistic plans," he said. A salt firing requires up to 15 kilograms of rock salt, which is shoveled into a salt kiln that is heated between 1200 to 1300 C. The salt immediately melts into a sodium vapour, which attaches itself to the silica in the clay, resulting in the formation of a clear glaze. Depending on the type of clay and coloured glaze applied to the piece, a spectacular, luscious, orange-peel textured glaze appears. Vincent selects this firing process for his more artistic pieces that are further enhanced by a flash of salt. COMMERCIAL WORK Vincent produces a wide range of commercial pottery for some of Whistler's five-star hotels and restaurants, including Araxi Restaurant, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Westin Resort and Spa. Many million-dollar Whistler homes along with various galleries, such as the Craft House Gallery and the Gallery of B.C. Ceramics on Granville Island in Vancouver B.C., also showcase Vincent's work.