Pottery has become a part of my life that helps me focus on the "here and now". It's my creative outlet and has been my most useful form of artistic meditation.
For me, ceramics is clearly therapeutic and calming. Having a studio in my basement is a major benefit and because my art has become a priority, I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to create right in my house!
Having the studio in our house means having a proper "throw down session" becomes extremely easy (and spontaneous) which keeps my head straight.
What I know is: when my creativity flows......
that gives me that KAVU feeling.
Good start to a KAVU day?
Head down to the studio to make pieces of art that someone will use daily (which makes my heart happy).
It's so satisfying to turn a ball of clay into a bowl, cup, mug...... or piece of art that might turn into a part of someones daily routine or, a piece to help celebrate friendship over a delicious meal!
Once I throw pieces, they have to dry out before I can trim them.
This is great though because, that leaves time for other ways to see the day!
My family and I live in Missoula which, makes for amazing and inspiring setting from nature itself.
We have so many avenues for outlets. And with freshly thrown pieces drying,
that means......
A KAVU day in Missoula!
#1) Wake up for a hike and fly (paragliding) with friends!
After flying.... #2 - say Hey to the neeeeeyyyyy-bors and grab the dogs for a hike in the mountains behind the house!
Sun, snow, doesn't matter when life is Klear Above, Visibility Unlimited!
Pottery isn't quite dry yet....
#3...time to take a ride in the Super Cub! The views of Bitterroot Valley are always breathtaking!
OK, finally dry enough for trimming and handles!
Once the pieces are leather hard (still moisture within), it's time to trim the bottoms so they have smooth surfaces. Trimming the bottom helps remove unnecessary weight as well. Handles for the mugs are next and allow more creative flare.
Making the right handle is a key ingredient to enjoying that perfect cup of coffee.... obviously;-)
Once these bad boys are completely dry, they go into the kiln (bisque fire, around 13 hours, 1945 degrees F). Once the bisque fire has cooled, and the pieces have completely cooled..... on goes the glaze.
The glaze fire lasts 11 hours and heats up to 2167 degrees F.
Muy caliente!
Which, then takes about 24 more hours to cool and be completely done.
I have many outlets in my life on planet earth.
Trying to make every one of the 86,400 seconds in each day count, certainly makes for my best life.
I hope you find the "arts" that speak to you and go do that!
Finding your best life..... that's KAVU!
Kara Shapiro
Winding Pine Pottery
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© 2026 KAVU
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