Kiln gods and the whim of the Wheel!

As a potter, I am acutely aware of the intricate dance between the natural elements and my own presence at the wheel. The clay responds to the slightest change in air temperature and humidity, while the wheel seems to have a mind of its own, spinning and guiding my hands in unexpected ways. But perhaps most fascinating of all is the role that my own attitude and demeanor play in shaping the final piece. The energy I bring to the process, influenced by the atmosphere around me, can truly make or break a creation. It is in these moments of collaboration between earth, air, water, fire, and spirit that the true magic of pottery happens.

Within the pottery world, the mystery of what happens inside the Kiln combined with a little faith and perhaps some harmless superstition is often attributed to “Kiln Gods”. These mythical beings are believed to influence the outcome of the firing process, ensuring successful results and protecting the pottery inside the intense heat. Some potters offer small clay figurines or tokens to these Kiln Gods before each firing, seeking their favor for a good outcome. It adds an element of whimsy and ritual to an already magical process, connecting the potter to their craft in a unique way. So next time you peek anxiously through the kiln spy hole, remember the unseen Kiln Gods watching over your creations with a mischievous wink.