The Shape of the Day

Heat Work Blog November 12, 2013

Although the temperature is in the twenties tonight, the pottery is a balmy sixty degrees thanks to the communal efforts of potters Ron Deaver, Robbie Teasdale, and Clarence Hayes. Ron, master scavenger, supplied the “repurposed” foam insulation; Robbie spent long hours cutting and fitting it into the ceiling; and Clarence cut and helped nail the strips. So the potters are warm at last. The fact that there hands are always in water or cold clay, makes the heated work space kinder on the hands.

Clarence is going out this evening to rewire the electric kiln. Ten years old, the elements burnt up on the last bisque firing. Between the three potters, there are olive oil jars, many cups and tumblers, bowls, flower pots, bottles big and small, flasks, plates and candle holders for Christmas.

Art is not only the final product on the day the kiln opens. Art is the shape of the day for Robbie. He builds the fire when he arrives in the morning, and Clarence keeps it in the evening while he does his “second shift” after remodeling and building. Ron works before or after his third shift. Art is sometimes the place you go to find yourself. We anticipate the first firing, but for some time now, we anticipate the next leap in our imaginations and in our craftsmanship.

Bobtown Arts. Inc. became official this month, and there’s work to do in establishing it as a community pottery studio.

The sky is clear and the moon is sharp—maybe on such a night soon we’ll see flames from the kiln shooting up toward the stars.

Vicky Hayes