Slowing Down with Clay
A journey into ceramics
'To make pots is an adventure to me, every new work is a new beginning. Indeed I shall never cease to be a pupil.' - Lucie Rie
In less than a month, I'll be stepping into a 16-week introduction to ceramics class on Saturdays, at Los Angeles Valley College. It's been nearly a decade since I last set foot in a classroom. I am eager to challenge myself creatively and create larger sculptural pieces. The course will dive deeper into techniques and forms, challenging me to push my boundaries and expand my skills. I'm particularly excited to learn more about each process: throwing, trimming, glazing, firing, and lessons along along the way.
As I prepare to start this new class, I find myself reflecting on my experience with pottery the past 8 months. Ceramics wasn't something I initially planned to explore at this stage in my life. It was more of a distant hobby I imagined picking up later on. But last fall, the opportunity presented itself at just the right time when I needed it most. The urge to toil with my hands and escape the digital realm was vital for my mental and physical well-being.
In October, I signed up for my first 4-week intro to wheel-throwing class. Being in the studio for the first time was awe-inspiring. The sight of the gas kiln brimming with the diverse creations of cups, bowls, vases, and moon jars immediately captivated me. I was hooked on the endless possibilities that clay and glaze combinations could offer. After the first couple of months, I felt more comfortable with centering the clay on the wheel and experimenting with cups and bowls. In ceramics, every step counts, but I try not to take it too seriously.
From a young age, I've always gravitated towards activities (reading and writing) that allow me to slow down and quiet my racing mind. Clay, as it turns out, offers precisely this - a silent companion. It’s a process filled with small failures and victories. Some days, nothing materializes, and I’m content with knowing that there’s no pressure to produce. Some days I reach a flow state and make a couple of things I’m excited about. It’s been a process of experimenting with different clay bodies and understanding the chemistry of the glazes.
Drawing from my meditation practice, I have learned to embrace impermanence. If something doesn’t work out, I’m not upset. I find it calming to not attach to the material. Each piece is a transient expression of the present moment. If I mess up along the way, I acknowledge its lesson and gracefully let it go. As I’ve learned over the years, there is no one right way to pursue art. I’ve been harnessing my intuition through this practice and learning to trust the process.
Through ceramics, I have a newfound appreciation for patience and the meticulous care required to shape something by hand has been incredibly rewarding. Although I'm only at the beginning of my ceramics journey, I look forward to all the growth that lies ahead.
Pottery Inspiration
Here are a few ceramic artists I’ve been admiring from afar.
