At Play With Clay

We sit on the blue and white metal stools in front of your wheel. The familiar smell of clay is a secondary sense as you're overwhelmed by the exuberance of the pottery studio. Cheerful chatter continually fills the room with productive positivity. Callum BC, Privett ‘20, describes it: “The tranquility of the studio soothes the mind and induces a stress free environment.”  People begin to trickle in and head to the back hangers to grab a clay-stained apron. Then it’s straight to the wedging table. Advanced potters always lend a helping hand to the beginners. On any day there are an array of pottery-themed activities.  The first is the most time consuming, throwing. This involves a surprising amount of skill. An experienced potter makes this process look effortless, but as the beginner potters have learned, that is very far from the truth. We have spent a portion of the year learning how to perfect this skill. Centering the clay before shaping it is the crucial step in being successful in the processes that follow. Experienced potters learn how to read the clay: their hands, become a part of it. The centered piece of clay moves seamlessly beneath your hands, gently.  When centered, you are free to do just about anything. Bowls, mugs, and vases are the common shapes thrown. Once you’ve perfected your piece, it will be set to let dry until next day when you will trim and smooth it. And the final step is to add a glaze or design. This is where you really let it become yours. This heightens the originality of the piece.  Pottery creates a space where your creativity will flourish into something tangibly beautiful. Piper W, Hope ‘20