Why Add Pottery a Your New Hobby
Walk into your local pottery studio and take a minute to observe. What do you see, feel, hear? I bet I can answer that. You will see the four C’s, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and community. But beyond that, pottery creation is so much more. Pottery is extremely therapeutic. It is grounding and healing. Take a few minutes to watch this video of how a mom and son team healed not only their relationship but own wellness through beginning pottery and starting a pottery studio. Pottery making is a rewarding and enriching hobby that offers numerous benefits for both your mental and physical well-being. Here are seven compelling reasons why you should consider taking up pottery:
Stress relief: Engaging with clay, whether through hand-building or taking a pottery wheel lesson, helps you focus on the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety. Repetitive actions like centering clay on the wheel in throwing wheel classes promote relaxation and mindfulness. The act of shaping the clay with your hands can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting mindfulness and presence in the moment. Since pottery making often involves a repetitive and rhythmic process, such as centering the clay on the wheel or hand-building coils, which can be meditative and calming. This repetitive motion can help quiet the mind and promote relaxation.
Creativity and self-expression: Pottery is a form of art that allows you to express your creativity and individuality. Whether you're making functional items or sculptures in sculpting classes, it empowers you to channel emotions and create something uniquely yours.The creative aspect of pottery allows for self-expression and exploration. It provides a safe space for individuals to channel their emotions, thoughts, and experiences into the artwork they create. This act of self-expression can be cathartic and empowering, leading to a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Overall, the combination of sensory engagement, meditative practice, and creative expression makes creating pottery a therapeutic and rewarding activity for many people.
Mindfulness and focus: Pottery making requires concentration and attention to detail. By immersing yourself in the process of shaping clay pottery, you can enhance your focus and cultivate mindfulness. Studies show practicing mindfulness has multiple benefits including reduced anxiety and depression, lowered blood pressure and increased restful sleep.
Sense of accomplishment: There's a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from creating something with your own hands. Watching your ideas take shape and transform into tangible objects can boost your confidence and self-esteem. There’s joy in creating tangible objects with your hands, whether you’re interested in painting pottery classes or completing a vase on the wheel.
Community and connection: Pottery studios often foster a sense of community among fellow potters. You can connect with like-minded individuals, share tips and techniques, and build lasting friendships through your shared love of pottery. Join kids pottery classes or wine and pottery events to connect with others in a relaxed setting.
Therapeutic benefits: Working with clay can improve your fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The repetitive motions involved in pottery making can also help strengthen muscles and improve dexterity.
Lifelong learning: Pottery is a craft that offers endless opportunities for learning and growth. From mastering new techniques to experimenting with glazes and firing methods, there's always something new to explore and discover in the world of pottery.
Getting started in pottery can be a rewarding and creative endeavor. Here are five steps to help you begin your journey into the world of pottery:
Step 1: Research and Gather Supplies - Start by researching the basics of pottery and the different techniques involved. The digital world is bustling with information, from a quick Google search to IG, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube, funneling through the information can be more challenging than getting started. Look into the types of clay, glazes, tools, and equipment you will need. Purchase essential supplies such as clay, a pottery wheel (if desired), pottery tools, a kiln, and glazes.
Step 2: Take a Class or Watch Tutorials - Enroll in throwing wheel classes or painting pottery classes at a studio to learn foundational skills. If classes are not feasible, you can also find online tutorials and videos that can teach you the basics of pottery techniques. Again, IG, TikTok and YouTube have more videos than you can watch in a lifetime.
Step 3: Practice and Experiment - Set up a dedicated space for your pottery endeavors and start practicing basic techniques such as wedging clay, centering on the wheel, and forming different shapes. Don't be afraid to experiment with different designs and styles to find what resonates with you. You will learn more about clay from your failures than anything else. Don’t be afraid to experiment and more than anything, don’t give up.
Step 4: Join a Pottery Community - Connecting with other pottery enthusiasts can provide valuable support and feedback. Join a pottery studio, attend workshops, or participate in pottery events to network with fellow artists and learn from their experiences. Many studios, such as Mud Hut Pottery Studio in Riverside, CA offer monthly memberships, and beginner-friendly events like pottery wheel lessons.
Step 5: Keep Learning and Growing - Pottery is a skill that takes time to master, so be patient with yourself and continue to learn and improve. Attend advanced workshops, exhibitions, or even wine and pottery nights to expand your skills and have fun. Remember, the journey of pottery is as important as the end result, so enjoy the process and let your creativity flow.
