Someone stole my pot!

It had been a few weeks after I started pottery classes when my first pot was glazed and ready to come out of the community kiln. Scanning the shelves to find my fabulous pot, I couldn’t find it anywhere.  Someone must have stolen my pot. A week later I found my pot at the back of the shelves. At the time, I was unaware that clay shrinks by approximately 10-14% once fired. It wasn’t missing, just not what I expected. 

My first pot - with fruit 

Why make a bowl when you can buy one for a quarter of the price?

Insights from the National study of mental health and wellbeing indicate that in 2020-2021, 61% of "Australians took steps to manage their mental health". To boost wellbeing, participate in activities that are enjoyable. 

The outcome of a bowl is a small motive to practice pottery. The chance to be creative, problem solve, and experiment is part of the appeal. Producing a bowl that is unique builds confidence in the potter by demonstrating learnt skills and techniques. Pottery is an activity which increases wellbeing.

Pottery and wellbeing

Pottery improves mindfulness by focusing on the physical aspects of clay and the physical positioning of the body. With practice and experience potters find learned skills become automatic. The sound of the wheel, slow repetitious movements of the body and the spinning of the wheel generates calmness which potters may find meditative.

With many of us spending a significant amount of our day on screens, choosing pottery as a wellbeing activity can reduce the amount of time spent on screens. As hands are muddy, the potter is unlikely to use their phone during pottery practice. Besides reducing screen time, having our hands in clay allows the potter to focus on the tactile senses which can assist with mindfulness.  

Socialise

Pottery is practiced by different generations and skill levels, giving the opportunity to socialise with others outside of your current circle. Learning with others and sharing a common interest can boost self-esteem by building a sense of belonging.

A recent study found that engaging with arts and crafts “significantly predicted increased life satisfaction, a sense that life is worthwhile and happiness, above and beyond known sociodemographic predictors.”

Throughout this blog I will be focusing on how pottery has improved my self-care and wellbeing from a personal perspective.

Has pottery or another art or craft improved your personal wellbeing?