Emily thank you so much for sharing my thoughts on clay, if you ever feel like a trip to Somerset you would be so very welcome to come and play in my studio here! x
It was such an absolute pleasure to share your post Vanessa, loved every word and I would love to come and visit your little workshop and have a play! 💛
I have to admit that I loved reading this!!! I have a story about clay as well but I never did get into creating with clay personally. I've wanted to however! They did teach it in my elementary school and I learned there. My teacher cut his thumb off while making a pot or something. I honestly can't recall all of the details of his story. I was a really little thing, so this was years ago. I ended up making a cute little very small bowl/pot if you can call it that. It was very small! I'll remember that forever too so know what you're talking about. I like to draw, paint, write, make digital works and make videos but I can't honestly say that I could get into crocheting. I LOVE the idea of it mind you but simply can't get into it. I don't know why. Anyway, thanks for such a great story!!! I have tried air clay as well and LOVE it. Although, I'd probably love a wheel more... I've always wanted a kiln but hear they bring your electric bill up ALOT! Due to that, I've never gotten one but ya never do know what the future holds. :) Anyway, thanks again. I absolutely LOVE art!!!
Ha, you and me both with crochet Angela! I have done it now and then, but can never remember how between sessions so it’s a slow, painful process. Kilns do use electricity obviously, but it’s not nearly as awful as I’d imagined on the bills, so don’t let yourself be put off entirely by that. Xx
I'll certainly keep that in mind when I move. Thank you for saying that! At the moment though sadly, the choice isn't mine. I can only do what my landlord lets me do. I am not given the right to use a kiln which is extremely sad because I honestly would love one. There's always air dry clay though!!! *GRINS*
Yes. I don’t know the details though because I was in elementary school. I’m not 100% certain that it was making a pot or what. I just remember him saying that it had something to do with what he did and he was an art teacher in pottery. It was YEARS ago. It was scary for a little kid but we also got used to it. It became no big deal really fast but I think that was because we were so little too. It didn’t really register.
I think that has to do with the brain honestly. For example: I had brain surgery for Epilepsy in my 20s (2003). I didn't seem to worry even when in my wheelchair. I didn't have the ability to know that there was anything to worry about though. If you don't know that there is anything to worry about, why would you worry about it?! Still, that grew and grew until years later, I did realise ALOT of things that before just never fully registered. It was as if I were a 20yr old child for awhile, which is not good at all in todays world! It opens you up to ALOT of discrimination, abuse and those who take advantage. Again though, if you don't actually KNOW to worry about things, you won't worry about them. I consider it a blessing that I've been that innocent twice. I don't actually think that they knew the brain can actually heal when giving me brain surgery but there have been multiple cases since that time proving it. Some are better than mine, some worse. The human body is AMAZING! I now know exactly what it takes to even simply take a step, etc. That is something most people forget. I can't say that I remember my first step, it was too traumatising for me. I CAN remember limping onto the stage multiple times, etc. though. How many people can remember when they could not fully walk? How many people are that blessed!? Again though, I think that it has to do with the brain, not age at all because children's brains aren't fully developed yet either. They also develop at different rates, etc. because everyones brain is very different. It's AMAZING! If you want to stop worrying, I believe that you can learn to control your level of worrying better with meditation. Although I'm sure some would disagree there and my younger self would have certainly been one of them. Meditation is not everyone cup of tea, which I understand. Still, my suggestion would be to breathe slowly in 5/10 times and slowly out 5/10 times. Start there and try some guided meditation if you haven't already. I would suggest some from my site but I haven't made my site ONLY about my health. Meditation won't take ALL of the worry away but it may help you cope. Some people can control their blood pressure, etc. when given tests that see if they are lying, etc. Why could people not use the same control to help their health!? :) Hope that I didn't go on too much and that I helped some. :)
My dad is a potter (well, was.. he’s retired now) and I have wonderful memories of pottering (excuse the pun 😆) around his studio as a child. I will never forget the smell of the clay and the slightly inclining floor, covered in a thin layer of dry clay dust, that led me to the handmade pot filled to the brim with biscuits. I had many opportunities to tinker about with throwing pots on his wheel... which he still has in his little shed at the bottom of the garden - where my children now get the opportunity to do the same 💞
That’s fantastic Eva, how wonderful to have had the opportunity to throw pots of your dad’s wheel and for your children to get a chance too. Love it 🤩💛
That's so wonderful Eva - you are welcome to share it yourself on the Subscriber Chat if you'd like to? I started a thread about celebrating creativity of all kinds, it would be so lovely to see it 💛💛
Pottery is one of the things on "my list". I can't wait to get my hands covered in clay. The process always looks so meditative too. Thanks for the story. xx
Ironically I may be moving onto some land owned by a potter here in Wanaka New Zealand. She is certainly a friendly and enthusiastic person. Maybe I could ask her if my weekly rent could include a clay lesson. 😃
I love that you now have a room of your own for ceramics! I took a few ceramic classes in college and really enjoyed learning how to throw and apply glaze.
I started pottery as a hobby and now its such a huge part of my life that I don't feel I can call it a hobby any more. I do recognise so much here, particularly the dark art of glazing (I wonder sometimes if I will ever understand it!). However, possibly because I hardly ever throw, I don't seem to have the same problem with audiobooks 😄
Yes, there’s something about the slower art of hand building that perhaps allows the mind to wander between activities I think. What do you enjoy making the most? x
I love making coil pots and pinch pots most of all, I find it extremely meditative. I build from slabs too, and make pots from many patches of textured clay which is like making collage, or that's the best way I've found to describe it. What I love about clay is it's endless possibilities really! x
I Ioved this - I’m green with envy Vanessa… when I lived in Ireland I bought a kiln and a wheel, all I needed was the room or shed to put it in. We had the space but decided to move before it was finished so I never even got to play and I sold the whole lot before leaving thinking with the renovations necessary to the house we bought in France that I wouldn’t have time anyway… I was right about that too… I still really would love to try my hand at throwing some clay though!
As kids we lived in an area of good clay and we often made rather extraordinary muddy air dried ‘things’ - it was as far as I ever got though - sadly!
Thank you for sharing dear Emily and Vanessa - have a gorgeous and creative week..! 🌈xx
I love the things we learn of each other here, how amazing to make extraordinary air dry clay things of muddy clay from the ground!! Perhaps when the renovations are completed you may yet have your chance, dear Susie 💛
Emily, this is lovely! Even though I'm trying to pave the way for my long-lost art through writing, pottery has been my crush all along. I have worked with air-drying clay and I hope to join a pottery course just 25 minutes drive away soon.
It's amazing how some of our core memories shape our lives and somehow it pops up on every turn we take like Vanessa.
Will the session on 30th May at 11.30 BST be on Zoom?
I really want to take the course, but I need to find a way to fit it into my schedule while I'm working on my diploma. I'm aiming to complete my diploma in November, and once I do, I hope to be able to take the pottery course. Thank you Vanessa :)
Thank you Kiran, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I would love to try all the things 💛 how amazing that there’s a pottery course close for you to have a go. I’d love to see some of your creations - there’s a thread in the Subscriber Chat where people are sharing photos of their work 💛 yes, the session on Thursday will be on Zoom. Would be wonderful if you can make it!
oh, welcome, it was a treat! I'll share some of my work on the chat soon. I was wondering if you are you going to share the login details on substack or via email?
I always enjoy reading other people's clay adventures - Vanessa's was no exception.
"It’s a good way to spend time mindfully for I really do have to be focussed while throwing, an audiobook will often be playing in the background but I frequently have to rewind! " 😄 I totally relate, I have actually stopped playing audiobooks and have switched to music because my audiobook app would tell me a book was finished and I wouldn't remember a thing...
And, of course, Emily, I loved your clay-related illustrations 🤩! Lovely post!
It really is immensely absorbing isn’t it! Although in the defence of audiobooks I have also found myself listening intently, hands poised above a lump of clay….!
I listen to audiobooks while I draw too! But I can only listen when I’m not needing to think about what I’m drawing. Often my sketches must be undertaken with just music, because they require too much concentration when I’m considering concepts and ideas! It’s only once the sketch is complete that I can free my mind enough to listen 💛
ha! that actually happened to me recently when suddenly a song from my teens started playing. I got lost going down memory lane... so maybe the only way is absolute silence :D
Emily thank you so much for sharing my thoughts on clay, if you ever feel like a trip to Somerset you would be so very welcome to come and play in my studio here! x
It was such an absolute pleasure to share your post Vanessa, loved every word and I would love to come and visit your little workshop and have a play! 💛
I have to admit that I loved reading this!!! I have a story about clay as well but I never did get into creating with clay personally. I've wanted to however! They did teach it in my elementary school and I learned there. My teacher cut his thumb off while making a pot or something. I honestly can't recall all of the details of his story. I was a really little thing, so this was years ago. I ended up making a cute little very small bowl/pot if you can call it that. It was very small! I'll remember that forever too so know what you're talking about. I like to draw, paint, write, make digital works and make videos but I can't honestly say that I could get into crocheting. I LOVE the idea of it mind you but simply can't get into it. I don't know why. Anyway, thanks for such a great story!!! I have tried air clay as well and LOVE it. Although, I'd probably love a wheel more... I've always wanted a kiln but hear they bring your electric bill up ALOT! Due to that, I've never gotten one but ya never do know what the future holds. :) Anyway, thanks again. I absolutely LOVE art!!!
Ha, you and me both with crochet Angela! I have done it now and then, but can never remember how between sessions so it’s a slow, painful process. Kilns do use electricity obviously, but it’s not nearly as awful as I’d imagined on the bills, so don’t let yourself be put off entirely by that. Xx
I'll certainly keep that in mind when I move. Thank you for saying that! At the moment though sadly, the choice isn't mine. I can only do what my landlord lets me do. I am not given the right to use a kiln which is extremely sad because I honestly would love one. There's always air dry clay though!!! *GRINS*
Ah, well air clay it shall be then! Sometimes limitations are a brilliant way to spark creativity ✨
Oh my goodness - your teacher cut his thumb off making a pot 😱 that’s scary. I’m guessing that’s pretty unusual 🤣
Yes. I don’t know the details though because I was in elementary school. I’m not 100% certain that it was making a pot or what. I just remember him saying that it had something to do with what he did and he was an art teacher in pottery. It was YEARS ago. It was scary for a little kid but we also got used to it. It became no big deal really fast but I think that was because we were so little too. It didn’t really register.
Wow! I think as children we get used to things quickly and don’t worry so much. I worry a lot now about my fingers and hands and my eyesight.
I think that has to do with the brain honestly. For example: I had brain surgery for Epilepsy in my 20s (2003). I didn't seem to worry even when in my wheelchair. I didn't have the ability to know that there was anything to worry about though. If you don't know that there is anything to worry about, why would you worry about it?! Still, that grew and grew until years later, I did realise ALOT of things that before just never fully registered. It was as if I were a 20yr old child for awhile, which is not good at all in todays world! It opens you up to ALOT of discrimination, abuse and those who take advantage. Again though, if you don't actually KNOW to worry about things, you won't worry about them. I consider it a blessing that I've been that innocent twice. I don't actually think that they knew the brain can actually heal when giving me brain surgery but there have been multiple cases since that time proving it. Some are better than mine, some worse. The human body is AMAZING! I now know exactly what it takes to even simply take a step, etc. That is something most people forget. I can't say that I remember my first step, it was too traumatising for me. I CAN remember limping onto the stage multiple times, etc. though. How many people can remember when they could not fully walk? How many people are that blessed!? Again though, I think that it has to do with the brain, not age at all because children's brains aren't fully developed yet either. They also develop at different rates, etc. because everyones brain is very different. It's AMAZING! If you want to stop worrying, I believe that you can learn to control your level of worrying better with meditation. Although I'm sure some would disagree there and my younger self would have certainly been one of them. Meditation is not everyone cup of tea, which I understand. Still, my suggestion would be to breathe slowly in 5/10 times and slowly out 5/10 times. Start there and try some guided meditation if you haven't already. I would suggest some from my site but I haven't made my site ONLY about my health. Meditation won't take ALL of the worry away but it may help you cope. Some people can control their blood pressure, etc. when given tests that see if they are lying, etc. Why could people not use the same control to help their health!? :) Hope that I didn't go on too much and that I helped some. :)
Wow Angela! thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom. 💛
My dad is a potter (well, was.. he’s retired now) and I have wonderful memories of pottering (excuse the pun 😆) around his studio as a child. I will never forget the smell of the clay and the slightly inclining floor, covered in a thin layer of dry clay dust, that led me to the handmade pot filled to the brim with biscuits. I had many opportunities to tinker about with throwing pots on his wheel... which he still has in his little shed at the bottom of the garden - where my children now get the opportunity to do the same 💞
How lovely to have those memories of your Dad - and the physical objects to remind you. Maybe my girls will keep some of the things I make for them …
That’s fantastic Eva, how wonderful to have had the opportunity to throw pots of your dad’s wheel and for your children to get a chance too. Love it 🤩💛
I've got a beautiful photo of my dad throwing a pot with my daughter.. shall I DM it to you and you could share it on here if you like? 😊
That's so wonderful Eva - you are welcome to share it yourself on the Subscriber Chat if you'd like to? I started a thread about celebrating creativity of all kinds, it would be so lovely to see it 💛💛
Ok, I will do 💛
Pottery is one of the things on "my list". I can't wait to get my hands covered in clay. The process always looks so meditative too. Thanks for the story. xx
Do give it a go, I’ve yet to meet a potter who isn’t friendly and enthusiastic so even if you don’t enjoy the clay I’m sure you’d have fun!
Ironically I may be moving onto some land owned by a potter here in Wanaka New Zealand. She is certainly a friendly and enthusiastic person. Maybe I could ask her if my weekly rent could include a clay lesson. 😃
You should definitely ask! Maybe you have something to teach them in return 😊x
It does doesn’t it Jo, I can imagine it being such a wonderful calming and sensory experience 💛 thank you always for your kind and thoughtful words
I love that you now have a room of your own for ceramics! I took a few ceramic classes in college and really enjoyed learning how to throw and apply glaze.
I’m so lucky and have just spent a lovely few hours in there, firstly a much needed tidy up and then some throwing - citrus juicers today! x
So glad you enjoyed reading Steph, I’m in awe that Vanessa has a kiln and wheel. Love the photos of Vanessa’s work too 💛💛
I started pottery as a hobby and now its such a huge part of my life that I don't feel I can call it a hobby any more. I do recognise so much here, particularly the dark art of glazing (I wonder sometimes if I will ever understand it!). However, possibly because I hardly ever throw, I don't seem to have the same problem with audiobooks 😄
Yes, there’s something about the slower art of hand building that perhaps allows the mind to wander between activities I think. What do you enjoy making the most? x
I love making coil pots and pinch pots most of all, I find it extremely meditative. I build from slabs too, and make pots from many patches of textured clay which is like making collage, or that's the best way I've found to describe it. What I love about clay is it's endless possibilities really! x
It sounds just fab. I can’t wait to give it a go myself.
Beautiful story. Beautiful pots. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Klamo, I’m happy you enjoyed reading ☺️
Thank you Klamo, I’m glad you enjoyed Vanessa’s letter.
I Ioved this - I’m green with envy Vanessa… when I lived in Ireland I bought a kiln and a wheel, all I needed was the room or shed to put it in. We had the space but decided to move before it was finished so I never even got to play and I sold the whole lot before leaving thinking with the renovations necessary to the house we bought in France that I wouldn’t have time anyway… I was right about that too… I still really would love to try my hand at throwing some clay though!
As kids we lived in an area of good clay and we often made rather extraordinary muddy air dried ‘things’ - it was as far as I ever got though - sadly!
Thank you for sharing dear Emily and Vanessa - have a gorgeous and creative week..! 🌈xx
It’s never, never too late Susie…..! When you are no longer pupil wrangling perhaps you’ll find yourself lured once more! Xx
I love the things we learn of each other here, how amazing to make extraordinary air dry clay things of muddy clay from the ground!! Perhaps when the renovations are completed you may yet have your chance, dear Susie 💛
Emily, this is lovely! Even though I'm trying to pave the way for my long-lost art through writing, pottery has been my crush all along. I have worked with air-drying clay and I hope to join a pottery course just 25 minutes drive away soon.
It's amazing how some of our core memories shape our lives and somehow it pops up on every turn we take like Vanessa.
Will the session on 30th May at 11.30 BST be on Zoom?
I really hope you’ll enjoy your pottery course and meet some lovely folk along the way too 😊
I really want to take the course, but I need to find a way to fit it into my schedule while I'm working on my diploma. I'm aiming to complete my diploma in November, and once I do, I hope to be able to take the pottery course. Thank you Vanessa :)
Ah there’s never a rush, the craft of pottery has been around forever and I can’t imagine it will ever disappear 😊x
Absolutely! That somehow has a relaxing vibe :)
Thank you Kiran, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I would love to try all the things 💛 how amazing that there’s a pottery course close for you to have a go. I’d love to see some of your creations - there’s a thread in the Subscriber Chat where people are sharing photos of their work 💛 yes, the session on Thursday will be on Zoom. Would be wonderful if you can make it!
oh, welcome, it was a treat! I'll share some of my work on the chat soon. I was wondering if you are you going to share the login details on substack or via email?
Looking forward seeing if Koran. I’ll put the zoom details in the Subscriber Chat and send that via email too 💛
Thank you! :)
I always enjoy reading other people's clay adventures - Vanessa's was no exception.
"It’s a good way to spend time mindfully for I really do have to be focussed while throwing, an audiobook will often be playing in the background but I frequently have to rewind! " 😄 I totally relate, I have actually stopped playing audiobooks and have switched to music because my audiobook app would tell me a book was finished and I wouldn't remember a thing...
And, of course, Emily, I loved your clay-related illustrations 🤩! Lovely post!
It really is immensely absorbing isn’t it! Although in the defence of audiobooks I have also found myself listening intently, hands poised above a lump of clay….!
I listen to audiobooks while I draw too! But I can only listen when I’m not needing to think about what I’m drawing. Often my sketches must be undertaken with just music, because they require too much concentration when I’m considering concepts and ideas! It’s only once the sketch is complete that I can free my mind enough to listen 💛
ha! that actually happened to me recently when suddenly a song from my teens started playing. I got lost going down memory lane... so maybe the only way is absolute silence :D
😂😂
I hoped you would enjoy and relate Sara!
I will be there! I will just be a bit late. Love what you’re doing here. xx
🥰💛