Beginning Ceramics

We are utilizing the Craft Center on campus and doing some dabbling in pottery. It’s tons of fun. Last Sunday night was our first class and already BN has been unable to resist the temptation to return several times during the week during open studio hours. (Since he’s right there on campus every day.) I went with him on Wednesday, and we were there for 4 hours! I’m not making very much headway, but BN is a natural sculptor. I already knew that, because of all the neat stuff he has created using wood, wire, etc. But he’s already made 2 beautiful pieces in the first week! They look stunning even pre-glazed/fired.

Tonight we learned to throw pots on the wheel. I knew it would be difficult but it was downright impossible, for me, before I realized that I should break a new piece of clay off of my stock rather than using the harder, dryer stuff I’d been working with during the week. Then I was able to get a start.

Our instructor must have an interest in art therapy because he is so positive and supportive. (And full of helpful information about all things ceramics.) He said, during the demo on the potter’s wheel, that we would all certainly pick it up quickly, more quickly than he himself did, because he really had a hard time starting out, etc. He tried out my clay, and instead of chiding me for being so stingy and not breaking off a fresh chunk, said no wonder I’d been having a hard time and helpfully mushed all my hard clay and failed attempts into a big rope for me that I could later work at to knead back into usefulness.

I’m really excited at the prospect that we will be able to make all kinds of functional and beautiful things like mugs, bowls, plant pots and such. And even if we don’t take more classes, it’s only $10 for students (and spouses) to get a term studio pass for unlimited use of the studios during non-class time…

Hey, readers – my dear family and friends – you need to go out and take a studio art class. It is the best thing ever. I’ve done lots of drawing classes, but there are so many choices. Drawing, painting, ceramics, print-making, sculpture, photography – It is so great to get focused instruction in creativity, aesthetics, and technique, making images and/or objects completely from scratch! I’m creative for a living but I’m totally loving this clay thing because it’s something I’ve never done. A new skill, a new way to think – a new way to use your hands, a new way to use your eyes and your brain. You should try it, each and every one of you. And it’s more fun to go with a friend.