Mud, Wheels, and Cat Sculptures: My Journey Working with Clay

The Beginning of a Dirty Love Affair

Flashback over 20 years ago (yikes, that sounds ancient!), I stepped into my first pottery workshop. Picture this: a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed me, eager to throw clay onto a spinning wheel, only to find out… no wheel for beginners. Major bummer, right? But that didn’t dampen my spirits. There’s something magical about connecting with the earth, shaping it with your own hands. It’s like the world fades away, and it’s just you and the clay. Best. Therapy. Ever.

Crafting Creatures

Fast forward a bit (10 years ago), and there I was, sculpting little cat figures out of air-dry clay. My little feline masterpieces were more than just ornaments; they were a tiny force for good, raising funds for my local cat rescue.

Working With Clay, Wheel Conquest

Now, let’s zoom to the present. A pottery class gift from my hubby (yay!) meant it was finally time to conquer the pottery wheel. Spoiler alert: I did, and it was glorious. Those two little pots I made? They’re more than just clay to me; they’re proof of patience, learning, and lots of spinning.

Some snapshots from last month’s pottery class

Why Pottery on a Graphics Site?

So, you might be wondering, “Silvia, isn’t this site supposed to be about graphics and illustrations?” And you’re absolutely right. But here’s the thing – creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s pixels on a screen or clay under your nails, it’s all about that spark within us, urging us to create, to make something out of nothing. Plus, let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to read about muddy adventures and cat sculptures? 🙂

The Creative Core

At its heart, working with clay reminds me why I dove into the creative world in the first place. It’s not about the medium; it’s about the message, the process, the joy of bringing something new into the world. Whether it’s a digital painting or a clay pot, every creation tells a story, evokes an emotion, sparks a connection.

Embrace the Mud

To anyone sitting on the fence about diving into pottery or any new creative endeavor, here’s my advice: Embrace the mud. The mess is part of the process, and there’s a unique kind of joy in getting your hands dirty, in making mistakes, and in finding beauty in imperfection.

Keep Creating

So, here’s to muddy hands, to spinning wheels, and to those adorable cat sculptures. No matter the medium, the act of creating something with your own two hands is an unparalleled joy. Keep creating, keep experimenting, and who knows? Maybe you’ll find your own version of therapy in a lump of clay.

Have Fun Creating

And with that, I encourage you to grab some clay, get your hands dirty, and see where your creativity takes you. Remember, it’s not about the end product; it’s about the journey, the feel of the clay in your hands, and the joy of creating. So, have fun creating, and let’s make the world a little more beautiful, one clay pot at a time.