Potting

POTTERY

Pottery is not for people who don't like getting their hands dirty, for wet clay is a most tenacious substance. At the most basic level it is childish mud pies. At the highest level it is a recognised art form. In between are the craft potters who make attractive, useful articles for everyday use at the table and for adorning the mantelpiece. I come in that category - though I am still a student at an adult education class.

My tutor, however, does his best to push me - and the rest of us in his class - into the artist category: he tries to train our eyes as well as our hands. Under his tutelage my throwing has improved a lot. My turning he says is good. Glazes can be a difficulty, with so many different people using them they can get contaminated and results are unpredictable. Firing is not under my control. The college does that.

Pottery is very therapeutic. For some of the more elderly members of the class it is an important social activity as well as being a pleasure for its own sake. When there was talk of closing our department down and relocating to smaller premises there was an outcry. Luckily a new principal has decided instead to develop the arts centre.

How long have I been potting you may ask. For five years as secondary school one afternoon a week. Since working part time from 1988, one day a week. They say it takes seven years to make a potter, but that's doing it full time. You have, like any skill, to keep practising.

But you can enjoy it from day one. For children it is a marvellous activity and one that every primary school should have a go at. If teachers are reluctant, try contacting the local FE college ceramics department. Someone amongst the students is sure to be willing to have a go with the children.

Pottery some photos of my work.

Technical stuff will be on other pages. Come back and have a look when I have written it!

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