A few Gems from the Soda Kiln

There was indeed something magical about being with that kiln all day during the firing. Fire is a living thing- it breaths and transforms the stuff inside as it grows hotter and hotter. I felt very much that I was breathing with the kiln like you do a lover's breath in the night. 

The climax was spraying baking soda mixed with water into the ports all around the kiln- three separate round of 14 holes around the kiln. Imagine a yellow white heat inside the kiln, 2100- 2300 degrees F- flame licking out as you remove the plug brick and stick the steel sprayer shaft in, moving it around to spread the love.  I did not want to leave it and it was such a shock to the system when I turned it off. And then I had to wait two days before coming back to unload. 

The pots were still hot to the touch as I took down the door brick by brick. The unloading of the kiln is always a wonderful experience- fondling each pot as it comes out, greiving the ones that didn't make it and coveting the ones that had that magical lick of the flame and soda. You get to know a whole new set of things- like seeing a nephew when he is 16 and the last time you saw him was when he was 12.

Did I mention that the kiln has so much to teach? At the moment I would say it is gratitude and joy for what comes and acceptance of the losses. It is putting in time and effort with love and hope and then letting go, giving over to something greater than your self. It is like raising a child.


I will have these pots available on May 13 as part of the Shutesbury Artists Collective Open Studio Tour and Sale and I will also be demonstrating on my wheel which is now outside! Please come and help me celebrate!

And yes, I am accepting new students- come learn to work with clay in my studio! If you are interested and want to let me know when you are available please get in touch! val@valeriegilman.com.

I would love to hear your comments! Where can you see the parallels in life?
​What creative processes do you do that are a mirror of life?