The wood-fired ceramics exhibit at the Swirbul Library on the Adelphi University campus is both contemporary and ancient.

It is contemporary in regard to the age of each current piece thrown or sculpted by students and faculty, but it’s also ancient in that the anagama kiln firing process is very old.

According to Anti Liu, new director of the ceramics department at Adelphi, the concept of the wood fire kiln was brought to Japan from China via Korea in the fifth century. It is fueled by wood, as opposed to contemporary electric or gas-fueled kilns, with the wood giving off fly ash and volatile salts. The ash settles on the ceramic pieces during firing, and together with the actual flames create unpredictable, unique designs. These natural-colored glazes range from gold and orange colors to brown and grey.

The well-attended reception for the ceramics show was held with students and faculty from Adelphi, Nassau Community College, C.W. Post and Dowling College present. This community of potters and sculptors all worked together to load and stoke the anagama kiln beforehand and are now displaying the results of that collaboration until Feb. 20.

Adjunct professor for ceramics and sculpture, Puneeta Mittal’s “Bottlescape” features a series of bottle forms that are hand-built with delicate wheel-thrown tops. Mittal commented on how she used “paper clay,” a material that combines paper and clay. In the first firing process the paper burns off, leaving a lighter weight piece.

Dan Christofel’s almost life-size “Athena Becomes Her Owl” piece is impressive. The natural wood-fired colors add to the life-like feathers Athena is sprouting as she is being transformed. Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom, war and appropriately in this case, crafts. She is always accompanied with her owl, a symbol of wisdom.

The subtle anagama kiln colors are evident in Frank Olt’s smooth-surfaced “Untitled I” and “Untitled II.” At first glance they appear to be organic paintings with a bit of texture. They create a serene feeling.

Also of note is Liu’s handbuilt recycled clay “Staircase” and Hugh McElroy’s multi-media “Mask” consisting of clay, feathers, jute and beads, in addition to other fine pieces.

“This exhibit showcases incredible ceramic works by talented artists," Eliz Alahverdian, director of exhibits, said. "This beautiful collection of golden and umber hues is a feast for the eyes and the soul.”

For further information, visit www.adelphi.edu.