While many of my animal sculptures are made with air dry clay and other mixed media, I love to sculpt with ceramics. There is something incomparable about the texture and density of earthenware that is difficult to reproduce. Then there's the unpredictable nature of glazing and firing in general. You never know exactly what you're going to get: Your piece may be beautiful or a total disaster. It is as much about the journey as the destination.
So, what should a passionate clay enthusiast do when they want to make ceramic work at home, and their home is an apartment? Before you start browsing Skutt's catalogue, let's looks at some of the realities and what your options could be.
Ceramics at Home
Working with ceramic clay inside an apartment is totally doable (obviously). There are a couple of safety considerations; mainly, control the dust from dry clay and be careful not to put clay down your drains, but other than that, have at it!
In order to have your ceramics pieces fully "mature" though, you really need one main piece of equipment - a kiln, or some way to get your clay to a high enough temp to fuse the particles that gives ceramic its strength.
To make ceramic work fully mature and strong, you will need to fire it to a very high temperature, which requires a kiln. And this is where a lot of enthusiastic people get stuck, and for good reason. So, let's talk about the potential and very real challenges of installing a kiln in an apartment (and maybe why you shouldn't).
Kiln Crux #1: It Costs How Much?!
Go and check out how much a kiln costs, and I am sure you will be floored. I know I was shook when I first realized how much an even moderately sized kiln was thousands of dollars. And that's just the base cost; then the accessories like shelves, risers and potentially other items come into play.
It also costs money to fire a kiln - remember these bad boys can eat a lot of electricity. Even if each firing is only $5 per kiln, those costs add up over time. Finally, kilns need to be maintained, such as replacing the elements and thermocouples (if your kiln has one).
The costs of kilns should not be underestimated. They are not something you buy once and then never have to maintain.
Kiln Crux #2: A Spark, a Safeguard, and a Breeze
⚡ Now maybe the price tag is not an issue (can I be you?), but kilns also have one requirement that is often a deal breaker for apartment dwellers: Most kilns need 30–60 amps on a 220–240V circuit, depending on the kiln. This circuit should be certified by an electrician, and the kiln should be connected directly to the breaker panel on its own circuit.
People who own a home can hire an electrician to come and sort this out (read: it will cost money), but if you rent, you will have to consider that you'll need to speak to your landlord before calling up an electrician. In North America, you might also have to deal with potential strata ramifications. This is all to say that you need to know what you're getting into.
☂️This leads nicely into the second point - home/renters insurance. To make sure you don't void any insurance policy, you should add the kiln to it. I have heard that this can be a big hurdle to overcome with some insurance companies not allowing hem at all, while others have many requirements. Also, unsurprisingly, it will cost more money. Are you sensing a common theme here?
💨 Finally, to close out this requirements list, kilns should be vented in some way. Ceramic pieces can give off potentially-toxic fumes when being fired., and kiln venting can keep that under control. If you have your kiln in your home, especially in an apartment this factor should not be ignored. So if you plan to sleep in the next room or will be working in the same room as the kiln, it's a very good idea to purchase a proper ventilation system, which is of course going to cost you money.
Kiln Crux #3: Your Own Abilities
Okay, so this one might throw some people off, but I think it just might be the most import thing to consider: How prepared are you for firing schedules, glazes mishaps, and other technical aspects?
Ceramics is a huge learning curve and there are plenty of stories of people who take a class or two and then rush out, spend all the money, only to realize that their creations aren't turning out the way they hoped, they get frustrated and lose interest (and in some cases quit entirely).
I am not trying to put anyone off of buying a kiln, I just think it's important to make sure you can walk before you run, especially when the costs can be quite high.
The dream: my own pottery studio
Okay, so we identified some hurdles when it comes to making ceramics in an apartment, so now let's look at the options that will not only provide alternatives, but can set us up to eventually purchase that kiln, but with much more knowledge and confidence that we're making the right move.
You don't need a kiln. You need access
The non-artists out there may imagine that there is very a straight forward solution to the above problem: simply rent an art studio, buy a kiln, and live happily ever after. Ah, if only. Sadly, the financial realities (let alone finding an available art space) make this a non-viable option for many, myself included. (I have more blog posts on sculpting from home)
The challenges I have with making pottery are not uncommon, and yet I still manage to create artwork somewhat regularly. If you too are in this predicament, here are some options you can look into:
Pottery courses
Community centers are a great place to start as they often have a pottery studio with kilns that are available to students of courses. They also have drop-in hours where you can work on additional pieces. You may also be able to find pottery courses being held by ceramicists in your city. Community centers tend to have very affordable programs as they are subsidized by the city, but the courses, at least in my experience, fill up incredibly quickly. Check the program guides for sign up dates to make sure you can snag a spot.
Private studios also offer classes and can be a way into this hobby. Either way the benefit of these communal places is that in addition to typically including glazes and firing costs, there are potters with decades of experience who can provide guidance and better yet connection to help you get and stay inspired.
A lovely pottery studio in a community center
Kiln rentals
I was recently introduced to a wonderful online resource that connects those looking for a kiln with those who are willing to rent theirs out. KilnShare.com might be the answer for you to be able to not only gain access to a kiln, but also to meet like-minded individuals.
Some community or arts centers, in addition to courses, also rent their kilns out for bisque or glaze firings to anyone willing to pay the fees. These rentals will generally include the time of a technician who will run the kiln for you (which is a relief for me because I don't know the first thing about working a kiln). Some places may not advertise this fact, so it pays to ask! If you couldn't fill a whole kiln with only your own work, you could always try to find other ceramicists to split the cost of the rental.
Local pottery/ceramic clubs
A great way to not only meet like-minded folks, but also to organize group firings. Scour the internet and facebook, or maybe even ask at your community center, library or arts organization if they know of any local groups. I have seen pottery clubs that are based at community centers as well as those "managed" by motivated individuals. Some members may also have their own kilns and be willing to fire your work with their own if you use an appropriate clay.
Nothing local? For those of you on the edge of the world, there is a marvellous Facebook Group called Clay Buddies where you might find a ceramicists to network with. Alternatively, you can try and start your own pottery group in your area.
This piece was actually created just that way: all without owning a kiln and no home pottery studio. Zen Horse VIII
Make the Dream Work
I’m not giving these pieces of advice because some chatbot suggested them, I am actually living them. I take classes at a community center, and I'm a member of a local pottery guild. This means that I can get my pieces bisqued in the community center, and then participate in a raku firing with the guild if I choose.
If you’ve been craving a more hands-on creative practice at home, I hope this gives you permission—and some practical ideas—to make it happen.
Ultimately, ceramics is not about having the best kitted out studio, but making connections and building a community with those who share your passion. It is through others that we stay inspired and also build new skills.
Don't worry about kilns, for now all you need is clay, curiosity, and a willingness to find your people. Find your local ceramicists. Ask questions. And make some great art.
Find your pottery people ❤️
What's Next?
Find out about the best air dry clays for artists
Can you make pottery out of air dry clay?