So recently I thought I'd try something new. Something I've never tried before. I wanted to learn more, I wanted to get my hands dirty, I wanted a challenge to see if it was something I could do, I wanted to create.
So…I signed up for pottery lessons. It was something that always looked fun and creative to me. I'm fairly creative and don't shy away from hands on projects or trying new things. If it doesn't work out, at least I can say I've tried and will likely learn something in the process.
It was so much fun. It was also harder than I thought it would be, the process had so many more steps than I thought it would, there was more planning involved than I thought there would be, it was more scientific than I ever thought and each part of the process effected the next. There are a lot of techniques, steps, and processes that I learned and I am sure there is still a ton more to learn. If you follow me on Instagram than you may have seen some progress pictures along the way. I thought I'd share with you what I came out with after 6 weeks of lessons. This is a skill I have far from perfected, however it was so much fun to try and see what I could do. A creative challenge. To see what was possible, see what I could learn and how I could improve. I'm sure I will be doing this again sometime in the future. There is something really rewarding about using pieces that you have made yourself. If you aren't the hands on type I'd still recommend purchasing handmade pieces from a talented potter. I understand that a mug from a big box store still works, but it's not the same as drinking out of a handmade mug. It's like hanging a cheap poster on your wall as art instead of an actual painting or a framed print. They both have their place but the quality and enjoyment you'd get from each is not comparable long term.
Alright don't laugh, these are the pieces I have made:
See these nicely shaped ones below….I just decorated those! It was fun to be able to practice different skills along the way.
And, what's a girl do when she has to come up with a creative idea on the spot….she sticks with what she knows and draws houses.
My pottery may not be spectacular, but I can call it my own and there is something rewarding about that.
I've always loved pottery and now I've come out of this with a greater respect for professional potters. It's an art form that takes skill, patience and practice. It's can also be functional and I love combining form with function.
Check it out, my plates hold food and my mugs hold delicious hot chocolate.