Handmade Ceramic Stoneware (Shabbos, Shabbat) Candlesticks, Glazed Blue, Pinched, Hand-carved

"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go."

-T.S. Elliot

When I came across this quote a few weeks ago, I immediately thought of my pottery students having their first experiences with clay, and at our next class I read it to the students as their "lesson" for the night.

Understandably, they are dainty with the clay, not yet knowing all the ways in which they can move, control and manipulate the balls of earth--in their hands, with tools, with dreams--they choose safely, conservatively. They are afraid to make mistakes. Their first experiments are lovely, but not that far from round, thick balls.

I decided purposely, except for our first class, not to give them specific projects. I am constantly instructing them, of course, guiding them, showing them how to execute the ideas in their heads and hearts. My hope for the class was to create a safe, fun, supportive atmosphere. I wanted the students to be self-directed, to come with their own projects, to find the well of creativity within themselves. I didn't want to create a classroom of followers,mimickers, but wanted them to learn by the metaphor of working with clay that they are their own creators. I've purposely tried to recreate the atmosphere and experiences I had at the first pottery studio I went to years ago and with my first handbuilding teacher--the classes that turned me on to pottery and changed the course of my life.

Six weeks into our ten week course last Thursday night I knew I'd achieved my hope for the class. The studio was vibrating with energy and life. Our collective focus seemed complete, our attention one-pointedly concentrated around our work table. Everyone worked on their own projects. Their was lots of talk, lots of sharing, lots of laughing, lots of support and inspiration. I hopped from student to student the entire three hours helping, showing, guiding. Some were pinching, some coiling, some slabbing, some were glazing bisqued pots.

I was exhausted, satisfied, already looking forward to the next week's class.

Pottery, Handmade Pinched Organic Ceramic Bowl in Blues and Greens

Yes, yes, yes, so quite some time since I've posted and I won't say much here now...because I've got too much to do. Just want to let you all know I'm here and working away to get www.rivervalleycrafts.com up and stocked.

The pottery class that I'm teaching is going smashingly. I love my students and the challenges that instructing brings. The whole experience is positive and it's stretching me. I'll be teaching a summer course, and one again in the fall for adults. And it looks like I'll be teaching a class for children ages 8 to 16 this summer, and then fall, spring, etc...

I've just signed up for a summer handbuilding class at www.clayartcenter.org. I've not taken a course myself in years and am excited that we'll be working with low fire clays, glazes and firings. And if I can fit it in I'd like also to add an intensive clay workshop to my summer calendar, though I'm still researching the myriad possibilities. I definitely need to keep filling my inspiration and technical well, especially now that I'm teaching.