Meet Our Member: Rachel Kaiman @spongemummy

1. When did you fall in love with pottery? 

I grew up with an appreciation for antiques from my grandmother who taught me all about fine china. My taste for pottery came later and I began collecting American and Scandinavian and Israeli art pottery about 25 years ago. My most precious finds are a couple of pieces by Saturday Evening Girls circa. 1900-1920. They were a group of Jewish and Italian immigrant girls on the Lower East Side of New York who got together weekly to learn English and adapt to their new lives in America while they created useful pottery pieces together. The idea that the wheel and clay connected their community in such a meaningful way is fascinating to me. Every pot has a story. The year they were created and their place in history is what attracted me to clay. 

2. What have been the benefits of working with clay? 

I appreciate the calming effect quiet creativity has on me. While there are correct methods of technique in the art form there is no “wrong” in clay. My career was in theatre performance where judgement is endless. This genre of art is a totally different journey. I am currently very into wabi sabi which is the idea that there is beauty and serenity in the incomplete. Working with clay is helping me to let go of my perfectionism in the studio and in life. 

3. Do you have a favourite piece you’ve made so far? What’s the story behind it? 

After my initial hand building classes I began making spiritual items for the Jewish community. I made several mezuzahs which are special prayer boxes you place in the door frames of your house. It was a fun way to start small and explore textures and color. I also make candle sticks and holiday items as gifts. I’m always in class looking for ideas and new techniques to enhance my spiritual items. I spend a lot of time up north in the summer so I like to make things for the cottage community like flower pots, snack platters and decorative pieces. 

4. Favourite tool? 

If you see transfers of animals that’s me! 

5. Favourite clay? 

I like the organic quality of the speckled clay. 

6. Favourite time of day to come to the studio? 

My days revolve around my kids schedule so I squeeze in my hours when I can. I do love a quiet late night in an empty studio. 

7. Best local food spot? 

I like a London Fog from Chance Coffee down the street. 8. What do you like to listen to when you work?  If the studio is empty I play Dan Gibson’s Algonquin Suite. If I am feeling zippy I put on my teenagers playlists. I do love the playlists of seventies tunes on the house phone. It’s always a solid staple. 

9. What’s your next pottery goal, or the skill you’re most keen to learn? 

I took some wheel classes last year but didn’t practice enough so I need to restart that process. I brought my youngest son to the balloon workshop and he loved it so much he has asked me to bring him to wheel class. My goal is to share this amazing experience with my son and hopefully get him hooked on the joys of clay. Then maybe he will want to keep my pottery collection one day!

10. Best part of being a member of Ford City Potters Studio? 

I have made a few really nice friendships over the past two years. I like being part of a collective where people work alone but tther. When I am in the studio with my people quietly creating things side by side I feel content. It’s my oasis from this crazy world we are living in.