Ceramics was entirely new to me when I randomly signed up for a class last summer, wanting to stretch my comfort zone. It was just a four-week class, but we got to it immediately. It was much harder to throw than the instructor (a lovely, lovely lady) made it look -- as most things are -- but it was so fun!
Week 1: Get right into it!
[wheel, clay, tools]
[first throw]
[flops]
[splatters]
Week 2: Carry on, then!
[small bowl]
[more tools]
[cleaned up]
Week 3: More practice
[guess which is mine?]
[more splatters]
Week 4: Glazing
[awaiting glaze]
[glaze]
[best bowl]
[kiln]
Finally: Pick up time!
[first piece (with handle)]
[little things]
[initials]
I loved being in a creative space.
I learned a lot about rhythms, subtlety, movement, and color.
I loved the sandy clay slipping through my fingers. And splattering all over my clothes.
I loved watching the clay thin out and move. Reacting to my slightest movement.
I loved... creating.
I loved seeing the finished pieces (the glaze is not at all like the finished color; it felt like Christmas! Glazing, by the way, is an art form entirely unto itself).
In review: I'm least happy with my first piece: I did something wrong with the glaze and it ended up very rough and chalky. I even thought about throwing it away, but then found an acceptable use for it. My best piece, the bowl, wasn't there when I came to pick everything up! I'm so sad! But at least I have a picture of it.
I thought about signing up for the 10-week class to practice more throwing and learn other techniques, but in the end, the fact that I have no space to accumulate pieces kept me from registering. I'm so happy with what I learned and made during those four weeks, though, and super glad I did it. I'm committed to learning more this year and pushing my creative boundaries.
