Kenzie Clayton plays with the clay during a pottery class at The Tilted Kiln. The Tilted Kiln is co-owned by husband and wife Joe Bott and Emilie Bott. Photo by Madison Anderson.
The Tilted Kiln encourages adults and children, artistic or not, to have fun and create what they can.
The Tilted Kiln offers a variety of services from making your own pottery to painting. For those who are more reluctant to do a hands-on art project, they can get inspired by a gallery of ceramics created by local artists, which is available for viewing.
The Tilted Kiln is co-owned by husband and wife Joe and Emilie Bott.
“I was teaching high school ceramics, then when I heard that the previous owner was putting this place up for sale, I jumped at the chance,” Joe Bott said. “It was something I’ve always wanted to do, so we worked it out, bought it, and took the jump.”
Joe Bott likes to create pottery and teach classes while Emilie Bott keeps the place lively and fun for customers.
“I keep everybody happy,” Emilie Bott said. “I like to paint, so that’s where I usually help with stuff. I encourage them, especially the little kids that come in.”
Joe Bott said ceramics is something everyone can do, even if you think you have no artistic talents.
“It’s a completely different than painting or drawing,” Joe Bott said. “Here, you are just playing in dirt. We all played in dirt as kids making mud pies and stuff, so it’s just like that.”
Joe and Emilie Bott said they agree there is no need to be nervous to try something new like this because of the atmosphere.
Emilie Bott said: “We’re a relaxed atmosphere. People don’t need to be nervous that they’ve never done this or that they’re going to be judged because everyone here helps each other out.”
The Tilted Kiln offers a two-hour “give-it-a-whirl” class every Monday and Friday night. This is a beginner-friendly class that shows how to make basic ceramics step-by-step.
I can attest that you do not have to have any artistic capabilities in order to take part in ceramics. I thought I had paid careful attention to the give-it-a-whirl class instructor, Launa Taylor’s demonstration, only to find out within the first two minutes I was trusted on my own, that I as a matter of fact, had no idea what I was doing. However, two hours later and after a lot of help from Taylor, I was able to make a not-so-recognizable plate and bowl. And yes, it did take me the full two hours to complete the two small-scale items.
The couple next to me had much better luck, they were able to create several items each.
Esther Ivory said, “It’s something we’ve always wanted to try because we love working on things like this, and it turned out to be tons of fun.”
Taylor said she recommends this activity as a way to get out and relax.
“You have ultimate freedom with this to do whatever you want; there are no rules,” Taylor said.
The Tilted Kiln also offers an eight-week beginner class as well as classes for kids in the summer. Students can find The Tilted Kiln at 215 W. St. George Blvd.