A pottery class, how fun. I've been wanting to do that for some time now.
I had everything I needed: Clay, cutting tools, potters wheel, water - all these are essential ingredients for making the perfect piece of pottery (and so I thought).
First of all, everyone starts with a piece of clay which then has to be kneaded in order to eliminate as much air as possible and to evenly distribute moisture throughout the clay. After kneading it should be formed into a tight ball. You know what I am talking about if you have done it. Those are probably the easiest steps in the entire journey of pottery.
It must be said that potting is a skill which has to be learnt and in the process of learning there will be many failed attempts which won't make it to the high temperature kiln at all.
To have all these ingredients moulded together require an added ingredient - patience - something I lack oftentimes.
Remember, we can always pick up the clay, knead, reuse and start go all over again if it didn't turn out the way you wanted it to become and when you really come to think about it - not many things in life give you that second chance. And how ever pathetic your piece looks right now, don't be easily disheartened, you can always give it a new identity by brushing on a nice coat of paint later when it comes out from the kiln! Here you go - another second chance to relive it!
Isn't pottery encouraging?
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