Connect through Creativity, Connect through Clay
Making with clay has always brought me such joy. Whether it is handling the material and feeling the raw potential of what I can transform it to be, losing myself in the flow state of making, or the excitement of opening the kiln to see the metamorphoses of the firing process, working with clay gives me so many personal pleasures. But one of the striking things I did not expect as I began my journey as a potter are the friendships I have made with other ceramicists. I have connected to so many people from different walks of life sharing this enthusiasm to make with clay, it is a wonderful community to be a part of.
The Transformative Effect of Clay
A few years ago, I started to open up my studio to run workshops and classes so that people could have a chance to try out making with clay as well. What I discovered is the transformative effect that a few hours of making can have on people! Whether it is an event at Bernwood Pottery with family members, or attending a Pottery at the Pub evening with friends, I have found that people always leave with a smile on their face and as if they are carrying less weight on their shoulders. Within minutes of starting a workshop and guests getting their hands on clay, the room becomes full of chatter as friends and strangers alike start talking with one another. There is something about the nature of working with clay, it is an activity that is participative and interactive at the same time and that helps to bridge people together.
Taking Time to Reconnect
In this digital age that we are living in, we are starting to view and interact with the world through a two-dimensional screen. There feels like that there has been a shift to crafts again as people want to get their fingers off of the keyboard and work with their hands again. Increasingly, people are eager to do experiences together and learn new skills. Nothing is more primordial than making with clay. It connects us with the earth and with each other. Handling organic material which can be easily shaped gives people confidence. Making that pinch pot vase might feel like a struggle when you first start it but once you add that personal touch to it, you cannot help but be pleased with the unique object that only you could make. Additionally, working with clay teaches you resilience. Whether you are a professional or amateur potter, the best-made work can still crack in the kiln. In a world where we seem to judge ourselves by perfect results, with pottery, this does not necessarily matter. We find joy in the process of making and celebrate the imperfections.
Explore Your Creative Side
Albert Einstein is attributed with saying “Creativity is contagious, pass it on.” I truly believe in the importance of exploring one’s creativity as it helps people connect with one another, nurturing a sense of togetherness as well as to themselves. Taking the time to play with clay for a few hours opens the mind and allows a person to give expression to ideas that they did not even know they had. Making with clay is beyond words, one’s artistic voice can be manifest through expressionistic textures, surreal forms or even just a simple pot.
Book a Pottery Workshop
So come together with friends, work colleagues or even strangers and open yourself up to a bit of play and creativity. Whether you are joining me at a Pottery at the Pub evening, a Mindful Making workshop at my Pottery studio in Oxfordshire or contact me to organise your own private pottery event at Bernwood Pottery, there are a lot of different ways you can explore making with clay and reveal your inner artistic voice.
