Movie Reviews From Viewers Like You


***NOTE as of July 2009 go to www.purplecatvideo.com*** this is the address for the newer site.

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November 15, 2004
There is a feeling of community at a woodfiring, and Patty Eacobacci has somehow managed to capture a good part of it. The work that must be done before, during and after, usually by veterans who work with the harmony of the others, sharing and guiding the newcomers.

A lot goes on during a Woodfire, usually things not seen on a video; the discussion of different glazes and their applications, how size of the pieces and their placement in the kiln works. There is a simplified explanation of how the actual firing works, from chamber to chamber, waiting for the final cone to drop before closing up the chamber and moving to the next.

Patty Eacobacci interviews the participants about the glazing and their Woodfire experiences. This is a group who has fired together before, and will again, all guided by the experienced hand of Richard Hotchkiss. We get to see the joys and disappointments of the participants when the pieces come out of the kiln.

The music at the beginning of this video flows throughout, yoga music by Nia. Calming and relaxing, in the background, leading us from one segment to the next.

This is an excellent Woodfire video, especially for students and potters who have not yet taken part in the whole experience. This is both a primer and reminder of the familial feeling that takes place during the drawing together of artists who share the love of the flame.

Review by Robin E. McGregor
loveofclay@yahoo.com
http://www.virginiacityantiquephonographmuseumpotsonthecomstock.com
Pots on the Comstock, Virginia City, NV

Robin is a functional potter who has participated in several woodfirings. She also loves to pit and raku fire, enjoying the serendipity that comes from the elements that can shape the finished product in unexpected ways.   

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September 25, 2004
It's been a long time since film making has touched me as deeply as
THE CLIMBING KILN OF WOOLMAN LANE.  I've been involved with pottery
for over 40 years and the magic involved with this art form always
thrills me.  

Patty Eacobacci's eye is perfection.  The documentary is heartwarming.
I couldn't imagine anyone, potter or non-potter, not enjoying her
work.  The background music enhances what the camera so graciously
shares with the viewer.  I felt as if I had actually participated in
the throwing, the glazing, the firing and the viewing of the finished
pots.  The heartbreak of chamber 4, the joy of discovering a perfect
pot.  

Thank you for a wonderful experience.  I recommend this documentary to
schools, public television, network television, artists, art
galleries and anyone interested in the art of creativity.

S.K. Miller
Grass Valley, California

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August 26, 2004
I recently had an opportunity to watch "The Climbing Kiln of Woodman Lane" and I must say it is one of the best documentaries I have seen in the last two years. Patty Eacobacci has a delicate and unobtrusive interview style that allows her subjects to be themselves and tell their story in a personal conversational style. Her use of natural lighting, scene composition and editing skills make her films a delightful experience to become immersed in. I especially enjoyed how the sound track and images blend into an "almost there" experience.

There are a few times when the panning is a little choppy and one transitions from strong back light sun to people in shadows that is less than perfect, but none of the small technical errors in the production diminish the overall outstanding quality of this film.

I think that potters will especially enjoy this film as it is an opportunity to see one of the largest wood fired kiln's in the world in operation. But I think that almost anyone would enjoy meeting the artist and sharing with them the joy and heart break they experienced in the firing.

I highly recommend this as an addition to your film collection. I am looking forward to her future productions and truly believe she is a film maker to keep your eye on.

George Penzenik
Resident Manager

The Lure Resort
PO Box 95
Downieville, CA 95936
(530) 289-3465
www.lureresort.com

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