Valley Craft Network Studio Tour - Bill van Gilder Pottery & Gallery

“I make pottery with the hope and anticipation that the pots will invite use. By using a slow momentum kick wheel and soft clays, I pursue the casual nuance of form and surface I admire so much in some historical pots. I make multiples of similar pots and within each series there is discovery… Would this form be more interesting made larger? What will happen if I add this to the clay body? Will this type of fuel change the surface or color of clay?” Curiosity is paramount.

As a potter I can only set-up parameters – from the choice of clays and materials to the making and finishing – allowing the nature of the flame to complete the process. My best work seems to make itself, when the acquired knowledge and intuition of material and fire is allowed to take over.

The process is complete when the pot is held in the hand, connecting the maker to the user – a subtle form of communication and enough reason for me to make pots again.”

Bill van Gilder