Embracing New Horizons: Learning the Potter's Wheel

In the stillness of a quiet studio, creativity whispers and blooms. The air is filled with a serene hush, where every corner holds a promise of inspiration. Sunlight filters through large windows, casting gentle shadows that dance upon canvases and sketchbooks. The scent of paint mingles with the earthy aroma of clay, and the gentle hum of a potter's wheel, creates an atmosphere rich with potential.

This past Autumn and all through the winter, I embarked on a new, albeit old, artistic journey- dedicating myself to mastering the potter's wheel and refining my hand-building skills in ceramics. It has been an enriching transformative experience that has allowed me to explore new creative avenues and reignite my passion for the creative processes.

My relationship with the potter's wheel has been a tumultuous one. During high school, my initial attempts at wheel-throwing were met with frustration and difficulty. One of my art teachers even suggested I stick to hand-building, possibly tired of seeing clay flung in unexpected places. Consequently, I avoided the potter's wheel throughout my Bachelor of Fine Arts studies at the Hartford Art School.

When I first sat down at this wheel, the anxiety of all my past failed attempts at mastering the wheel came flooding in.

It wasn't until graduate school, as part of my Master's in Art Teaching program, that I was required to revisit ceramic arts. Despite my best efforts, I struggled immensely with throwing and centering the clay. Eventually, I conceded defeat, returning to hand-building for the remainder of my time in the ceramic's studio courses I was required to take. I pursued my Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with the aim of becoming an art teacher, determined to avoid the fate of a starving artist fresh out of art school, while I worked towards establishing my own studio. I was concerned that my struggle with mastering the potter's wheel might hinder my prospects of securing a teaching position. However, my professors reassured me that there was no need to worry. They explained that many school systems, especially public school systems, often lack the budget for potter's wheels. My hand-building and sculpture skills would be more than sufficient and highly valuable, even without proficiency in using the potter's wheel.

I am proud to say that I have managed to finally grasp it, thanks to the great teachers we have at Canton Clay Works! It took a bit of time but now I am finally cranking out pieces after many failed ones. Practice makes perfect!

However, I made a promise to myself that I would one day conquer the potter's wheel! Late 2024 seemed like the perfect time to fulfill this promise. After my family and I relocated in late August 2022, I found myself short on time, overwhelmed with unpacking and settling into our new home. It took nearly two years to complete various projects, including installing a new fireplace, installing a heat pump and central air, and converting the three-season space into a four-season studio sanctuary. These endeavors left me with little time and energy for my own art.

My first ever coffee mug I have ever made. I look at it now and can see the flaws, but I also see the beauty in the process of learning. Heck, this first one is functional and fun. They will only get better from here!

Now, with our home finally feeling more settled, I can focus on my artistic pursuits once again. I live very close to a ceramic studio in my town called Canton Clay Works. Each time that I drove past it, I could hear my subconscious whispering at me to research it further and see what sort of classes they offer.

I have actually discovered that I enjoy trimming pottery!

So, one evening in late Autumn, I found myself signing up for a beginner's wheel-throwing and hand building course! The rest is history. I have been going to this ceramic's studio weekly. I continue to take classes as well as use my own private time in the studio honing my wheel throwing skills. Yes, I figured it out! I am not quite proficient at it, but I have been getting better the more I practice. The teachers at Canton Clay Works have been amazing and helped me work past the issues I was struggling with.

This little pot for a tiny air plant is the smallest one I have ever thrown on a wheel! Might do some more as I love creating vessels for the plants I have in my collection.

“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than the master of oneself” ~Leonardo Da Vinci

I have also continued to refine my hand-building skills, finding joy in the tactile meditative process of working with clay. The journey so far has been both challenging and rewarding, reaffirming my belief in the importance of perseverance and continuous learning. As I look ahead, I am excited to see how these new skills will influence and enrich my artistic practice. I am also looking forward to offering some ceramic art for sale on my Etsy and studio site.