Ambivalent Ideas

  Let me preface this post by saying my knowledge of kilns is, well, lacking. Acquiring a kiln, in my mind, is one of those rights of passage as a potter that takes you from a hobbyist to something a bit more serious. Don't get me wrong, I am sure there are plenty of potters who have a successful business who do not fire their own pieces and I am certain there are plenty of kilns collecting dust in garages or basements somewhere, but for me it means just a little bit more to have one of my very own.  Having the ability to fire my own pieces, on my own terms, has been a dream of mine since I first started to play with clay and I am just so grateful.  These things reach temperatures of well over 2500F. It's intimidating, space occupying, and frankly a luxury.  I was fortunate enough to find my Skutt KM1027 used, and she's been good to me.  I really couldn't tell you if its the best or most versatile or whatever, but I can tell you I am extremely proud.  ...

I got my first taste of throwing on a wheel through an introductory pottery class offered by the local city arts and culture services programs. I remember the instructor telling us the wheel could spin either way, and then confusing myself about which direction was the best direction for me.  Like many new potters I sent clay flying because I had way too much water in all the wrong places. I made all the rookie mistakes, but I loved every second I spent in the studio. The instructor took us through a variety of techniques, and my passion for wheel throwing bloomed. There were a variety of wheels to test drive, which was great for determining what kind of features I wanted in a wheel of my own.  Ultimately, I realized I preferred standing to sitting, in much the same way I prefer to work at a standing computer desk rather than sitting. When I decided I was investing in a wheel of my own, I opted for this model and I have zero regrets about waiting for her to arrive, or paying e...