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zen & the art of kiln building

updated tue 6 jan 98

 

Dan Saultman on mon 5 jan 98

I have been laboring for two months; working on the frame for my new
kiln. I guess I could have "slapped something together" but instead I'm
taking my time and enjoying myself. All framed pieces are mitered and
fussed with so they fit like a clockwork. I have created a variation on
the multiple hinge door. At first the door pins were too sloppy so I
pressed bronze bushings into the pinholes and polished the hinge pins
untill they shone like chrome. In the end the door hinge system swung
smoothly and quietly. It took me a week to just get that door just
right. But along the way I was thinking a lot and enjoying the ride.
It's all about taking your time and thinking, learning from others and
trying new things out. I have had to use an arc welder, and acetylene
gas system for welding and a mig welder too. Each machine brought new
learning and a certain kind of accomplishment. When it is done it will
be an act of love...and a piece of art in it's own right...blessed with
the care I spent...just like the care I spend when I make pots. Without
exception, the making, the thinking, the loving of the materials and the
creativity is my pleasure. The fact that something sells afterward is a
bonus that does not influence my method...my mid-set in being creative.
Take your time. Listen to your heart beat, be creative and watch the
wheel go round.

Soon I'll have pictures for you to look at.
Dan
--
For a Glimpse of Cartoons, Pottery and Computer Graphics
as well as some insight into who Dan Saultman is,
please visit my web page at:
http://www.concentric.net/~clay-art/Index.shtml