Pottery: Why everyone should try it

Pottery making is one of the most ancient art forms on the planet.  Producing ceramic pieces can be highly enjoyable and it gives a chance to express ourselves creatively. It can reduce stress and become therapeutic, thus becoming a healthy outlet.  It comes to no surprise that many people, including myself, find working with clay a much needed hobby.

I began working with clay about a year ago. I’ve always been interested in trying it, so when I saw a pottery studio near my house I decided to give it a go. I’m a nature junkie; I hike, surf, and photograph California’s beautiful landscapes. Pottery is an extension of nature and getting to work with clay brings an enormous satisfaction into my life when I’m not out in the wild.

While there are more than six reasons why you should take up pottery, below are some that will surely get you motivated to find the nearest pottery studio near you.

1. Creative freedom: As humans we desire to create. When we are creating, we feel good. I find that working with an artistic medium that provides the freedom to create is pure bliss. We don’t have to be Picasso to join a pottery studio. With just a few pottery lessons, you will be well on your way to creating utilitarian pieces for your home. Sooner or later, you will have dozens of pottery pieces waiting to be gifted to boyfriends, girlfriends, pets, parents, teachers, and even people you don’t know! The point is that you’re creating and when you’re making useful pieces, it feels awesome.
2. Optimistic outlook: With time, our work gets better. That’s what pottery teaches us. No matter how bad we are at the beginning, it will get better. There’s something to be said about seeing your progress week after week. It’s a beautiful thing that can be expanded in all parts of your life.
3. Focus: When we are one with the clay, there’s nothing else fighting for our attention (unless if there’s a cute dog in the studio…) In order to create a piece, you must pay full attention to what you’re doing. Creating one pottery piece takes a couple of weeks, from creating, trimming, and glazing. It’s a multiple week endeavor that has you excited until the very end when it comes out of the kiln.
4. Trial and error: There’s no right or wrong when creating pieces. We’re free to explore and experiment to our desire. Want to make a wolf-like mug? Great! Want to have a colander to wash your raspberries – have at it (okay I admit this is on my to-do list). If we want to try something, we jump into it. If it works, sweet. If it doesn’t, we move on or try again.
5. Quality of life: The way we do one thing is the way we do everything (I’m sure you’ve heard this in Pilates or Yoga class when the instructor is asking you for one more plank at the end of the class). I have found some truth in this statement when working with pottery (not in Pilates…yet). The more I am rushed and careless about a piece – the more disappointed I am with it. If we want to create exceptional pieces, we must give it the time it deserves. This in turn teaches us a valuable lesson that can spread in other aspects of our lives. When we devote the time and dedication to something we need to do, we will eventually see the results we’re seeking. This includes work, health, projects, family, relationships, and the list goes on.
6. Social Hour: When you’re working in a studio, you’ll meet many people from all walks of life. As someone who works from home, I crave human interaction. While I do many other social activities, I have found studio time to be one of the most satisfactory for human contact. Strong bonds are created when there are many stories, laughter, and emotions shared between students and teachers. If you’re yearning for more peeps around you – I highly recommend pottery.  

Are you convinced yet? (I hope that answer is a YES). So find a teacher or a pottery studio near you and prepare to partake on one of the most creative and satisfying art forms in the world.

Sara Vazquez

sarahvazquez.com

Written By Good Dirt LA On September 4, 2016