Time to get on the wheel

When I tell somebody I make pottery, they will often make reference to a renowned pottery scene in the movie Ghost (starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze). I was in high school when Ghost came out and like many others, this movie sparked my interest in pottery. My high school pottery debut consisted of being given a clump of clay and instruction on making pinch pots. Dreaming of having my own Ghost moment, I longed to get on the pottery wheels that were hidden in the back pottery shed. Unfortunately, they sat there unused throughout my high school years. 

My high school pinch pot

I’ve dabbled with clay throughout the years, but I didn’t get my hands real dirty until 2020. Surviving on coffee and work alone, I signed up for a pottery class at the local art society to learn some new skills and to get me away from the computer. 

Pottery gives me the space and time to be creative. It’s a time to get away from the rest of the world and to focus on my tactile senses. Like how my toes feel when squishing them in wet sand, running my hands through soft clay feels wonderful. It brings back memories of getting dirty as a kid, sticking fingers into different textures and making mud pies.

Pottery has taught me patience. Planning and waiting for the clay to be in the right condition before moving to the next stage takes time, I can’t finish a piece in one day. Working with the elements of earth, water, air and fire there is a ‘magic’ component to pottery. I can plan, test and experiment but even slight variations can influence the outcome. Opening the kiln I’m often surprised with how the pots come out, it’s like opening presents or getting a package from Amazon. 

Pottery builds villages and communities. Attending classes has given me a supportive community who are equally obsessed with pottery. We learn from each other under the gentle guidance of our teacher while chatting about our daily lives. 

From that first class, my love of pottery grew. That love grew confidence, and I began noticing improvements to my wellbeing. I still fantasise about having my own Ghost moment. Although I now dream about making a large vase the size Demi made instead of Patrick Swayze. If someone destroyed my vase, my thoughts would be far from romantic.