Thursday, 22 2022

You rush into your ceramic class seat, your head bursting with thoughts of clay pots. Ms. Davis, the ceramics teacher, starts explaining how to use the wheel. “First, you have to knead the clay, then fill up the water bucket in order for the clay to maintain its shape, and finally center the clay to get the form you desire,” Ms.Davis says.

You think, This is going to be a piece of cake! As you press down the wheel pedal, which reminds you of a car. You realize how much hand work and effort goes into this. You start to feel frustrated and sapped, making you want to give up.

After centering the clay you start to shape it with your hands. You try once, but it keeps falling down! You start to lose dedication and overhear Ms.Davis saying, “It takes practice.” Some students watch other’s walk off and sloth onto making the mug by hand. You ask yourself, Should I give up too? You decide to persevere.

You start learning the rhythm to push up and center the clay which sets the foundation for basic wheel techniques. Soon enough, you’ve got a mug in your hands to be proud of. Weeks go by and you start making porcelains and stonewares, and helping others. You become an example and assistant for the teacher. Wow! you think, imagine if I had given up.

Practicing is a lot of work, but it’s up to you to choose to keep going. If you do, you can make things you always wanted, whether you have seen them on Instagram, Tiktok, or any other app. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity flow. Yes, it’s a hand workout, but you find pride in the end because you made the art.

I know what you might be thinking: I’m not into art. I don’t like to work with clay. You are not alone in this thought but giving it a shot can cultivate a new talent.

One of the best parts of this class is how flexible and accommodating the teachers are of ideas, as long as they fit the assignment criteria. For example, if one of the assignments is a face mug, you don’t have to make a human face. You can make it into a cow, lion, camel, or whatever you are into. How cool is that!

The arts allow a place to express your inner thoughts. You can create art out of anger, stress, sadness, and happiness. Instead of trying to hide your emotions, you end up expressing them, which can not only help you but also others. Ceramics is a form of expressive art therapy, as it shifts your focus away from any aggravating or unwanted thoughts; the time and investment you spend on your piece creates a sense of pride.

When you take a look around, there are an abundance of ceramic pieces inches away from you. So join ceramics and create art, even if you think you won’t like it at first. Try it once, and you won’t regret it!