My First Pottery Class

Introduction

When I first traveled to Santa Fe a few years ago, I remember all the pottery that stuck out to me. I had an amazing trip, and it further ignited the inner artist in me to expand on my creativity. I was in the process of reading "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron to combat some trauma and unlock new facets of my artistry, as someone who was still new to being a musician. Journaling and taking myself on "dates" were major parts of this healing and connection process. After my trip, I decided to venture and find a pottery class to take myself on a date.

I had done some research and already knew the kinds of things I wanted to work up to making. Mostly coffee mugs, ramen bowls, and eventually a teapot. But first, we had to start somewhere and make lots of mistakes. And believe me, my current stash of pottery crammed around my house includes a massive variety of tests and oopsies. I had no idea that at the time, I would continue to come back and make these mistakes of course.

Everyone starts somewhere.

Setting the Scene

I remember it was a cold, rainy day in November. It was the kind of day you wanted to sit under a blanket and binge your favorite show. I was perfectly set on doing that, but had scheduled this class at a studio nearby. I was super nervous to go to my first class and worried about all that could go wrong. That I wouldn't do well, and that I wouldn't like it, etc. Of course, a part of me recognized that all the things I do now started with the same kinds of feelings. Travel, music, etc. I had no idea it would turn into something I would still be chasing creatively years later.

After making my way to the studio in the rainy weather, I ended up driving up to a 1-acre property in a more rural neighborhood. There was a house with a small building next to it, that had a gravel pathway and a roped-off area for parking. I nervously walked up and walked in to see an older lady and a girl around my age organizing the studio. After confirming I was me, we began a private lesson. Usually, they have one or two people come in, but I was the only one who decided a cold, rainy Tuesday was ideal.

The studio felt cozy. Tana, the older woman, and Maddie, the younger one, took turns helping me at the wheel and let me sit at the thrower's stool. They guided me, but I made three bowls and a jewelry plate from a deformed bowl. I also learned how to clean up and what steps to take when returning for glazing. Ultimately, it was a private tutorial on how to use the entire studio and continue creating pieces.

After a few weeks, I checked in with Tana by texting her to make sure the pots were fired, and then came in for my glazing session, which was included in my class fee. I sat in a room chatting with others as I glazed my pots as best I could. I have to admit, I wasn't super creative when I did my first set. Now I do a lot better at the glazing. It's hard in the moment to pick the color you want and then paint it out. Especially since music was my artistic experience, I wasn't on the painting side of the arts. It's been fun exploring the physical side of my artistry by creating a physical product, other than music or writing.

I still go to the studio and learn something new every time. Whether it's from the owners, Tana and Eric, or others, as we try different techniques and create our own. For example, TD, who taught me how to throw plates. I can now dish out plates at 10 an hour, plus glaze time. It's grown from a one-on-one learning experience to a regular hobby for me. Lately, I've been making lots of mugs and experimenting with throwing larger-sized creations.

Getting Started

First things first, you don't need to buy anything. Find a studio that has all you need, and you can usually buy the clay from them as well. If the wheel is intimidating, try hand-building. I know plenty of experienced ceramists who go through the studio and refuse to throw on the wheel. You can make all kinds of sculptures and creations by using various techniques to roll out, cut, and paste (using slip or whatever). Watch videos online and you'll find all kinds of ways to make your favorite pieces. However, I will say that at least knowing how to throw on the wheel is a big help. I always throw, and then know I can sculpt it afterwards or add on. It's something that's there, but not necessary for me.

Now, onto actually finding a class.

My biggest suggestion for those who want to try pottery is to book a class experience first. I knew I'd want one-on-one off the bat, so that's why the more private route was one I wanted. Some might be more comfortable in a full class setting with 5+ people. It's all about finding a place you feel safe in. That being said, like any class or teacher search, I will say that it may take a couple of bad experiences or awkward encounters. Like with yoga, singing, and this in particular, I've lucked into finding some really good places and teachers. That came with knowing myself, and my artistry as well.

It takes a lot of experimenting before you come up with something you like. And that goes especially with creative arts in which you're making something. Your pots are going to become happy accidents. I have an unintended shot glass turned incense holder, a couple of flower pots, and lots of plates from bowls I couldn't center or had to trim down. Not to mention all the stranger glaze combinations I've tried and failed with. Again, it's all about what feels supportive to your journey as an artist. Even if it's just for a cute moment with your friends.

Next, my biggest caution of all. Lose the cute outfit, the nails have to go, and tie your hair back. Guys, you too.

ART COMES FIRST, at least for me. My art is messy and rough on my body. That means music, too. Again, I know how I create, and I have the experience to know how to look cute and do so.

I can't have long nails since I play the guitar, but I'd rather make beautiful music than have long nails. I still maintain them and keep them nice, and just occasionally get press-ons or something. I can't tell you how many people come into the studio with claws and think they can successfully throw. Girl, do it between sets, and get them redone later. It's so much easier to do it first without nails, and then once you get the hang of it, try techniques that allow you to keep the nails. Also, your hair has to go. Just tie it in a bun or something, and even then, I still have to constantly brush my hair out of the way. Also, clothes. Some clay stains have not come out. wear something comfortable, and something you're okay with ruining.

Moving Forward With Creative Hobbies

I have been working hard to continue progressing as much as possible, and I feel like in the few years I've done it, I have gotten loads better. I still enjoy making some of the same things, like plates, bubble bowls, etc., but I am constantly watching videos on YouTube and TikTok to see what I'd like to try next. Right now, that includes the trendy tumblers, another attempt at a Nara Smith bowl, and working to be able to throw enough clay for a vase or something. But I also want to talk about my experiences in the studio and some things you might run into.

1) Asking for Help

Being in a studio with my teacher, I've also found myself learning from various sources. Not every technique works for every person. We all have varying strengths, as well as ideas for what we want. For example, a student taught me to throw plates with a rolling pin, then trimming to the center, as opposed to centering and shaping from there. My teacher insists on teaching me to do it the traditional way, but sees that I do just fine with he way I do it, and I like it, so she lets me be. We also have a relationship in which she knows I'll ask if I want to make something new and need help. These days, I tend to do well on my own.

However, people and their experiences have been one of the best ways I've learned. It's trial and error, especially in the arts that include a bit of mad science. Baking is a great example of this. That being said, I've also leaned on my fellow pottery people for advice and opinions when I'm throwing. We've created a space and built enough of a relationship that we can do, which brings me to the other half of that.

2) Leave Me Alone

You will have days when you just want to be left alone. People sometimes don't want to. They want to chit-chat or give their 2 cents. When some days, you're just not going to want any of it. I actually had a day like this at the beginning of summer. A newer person at the studio, an older gentleman who had taught in art schools, felt like he needed to hover over me and give me "help." I was having a bad throwing day on top of him getting a little too close to me, and I shut down. I mean, throw my clay on the wheel and walk outside to cry shut down. I haven't seen him since, but my teacher saw me and hugged it out, and helped me as much as possible.

Now, there were a lot of factors at play here. I didn't bring headphones, as sometimes I'll listen to an audiobook to shut out distractions when I feel like having a quiet day. I was super stressed as it was my last day before I left for a 3-month backpacking trip in Europe. I had been super busy, and instead of being a moment of peace, it was stressing me further. I was cracking, and this was the breaking point.

It's okay to say, "Hey, I appreciate your expertise, but I'm having a day and need to sort it out myself." Usually, if you say it right and with good intentions, people will appreciate and recognize they've been there. I try not to take it personally when people ignore me or don't respond if they get locked into what they're doing. Or, if they put in their headphones.

We all need days of silent creation.

3) Bad Days

Like I said, I have had bad days. But, beyond emotional, sometimes you just won't be able to make anything. Everything you throw won't center, or will collapse. You'll drop stuff. Stuff explodes in the kiln. It happens. Again, with creative arts, you have to roll with the punches. nothing is guaranteed. It's not anyone's fault, and it isn't even yours, so don't blame anyone. The best thing you can do is recognize it's not your day, and take your wins when they come.

I had a couple of really nice throwing days since that one really bad day. Also, I've found lots of inspiration and even turned the pieces I did manage to do into something nice. I did some reflection on my emotional state, and how I didn't like that guy I didn't know in my space, and I have drawn some new boundaries at the studio. Luckily, my teacher and the other artists respect me enough nd know me enough that it was easy to come back from. At first, after this particular day, I was a little nervous. But, as soon as I walked in after my 3-month-long trip, I was received with hugs and smiles.

We all have bad days; it's best to move on and come back.

4) Making a Plan-ish

Finally, I want to recommend something I've done for myself. making a plan. I go into every session with ideas of stuff I want to make, or glazing concepts I'd like to try. They don't always come out the way I want, but it helps to have a bit of an idea. Also, I can mention something I want to try, and everyone helps me work it out, or even helps me find glazes or watch me throw. I try to make stuff I know I'll use, or I know people might want.

Going in blind is okay, too! It's a part of letting the creative process happen.

Sometimes I have a plan, and if I get something centered or am in the moment, I can go with the flow and just make something. That's the best way to describe it. You grab a ball of clay, smack it down, somehow manage to center it, and sit with your hands gliding over it, trying to figure out what to make. This has resulted in some of my best work!

Try everything, and regret nothing! (Well, maybe somethings)

Conclusion

Pottery started as a little gift to myself, and has now turned into a business pursuit. That's right, I'm planning on making stuff to sell. (I feel so cool saying that!) I still plan on making lots of stuff for myself, simply because I love it. But I have ideas for my own merch as a musician, and what better way to do that than making it myself!

Anyways, creative hobbies like pottery, sewing, cake decorating, etc., are all things you can seek out to try for fun. Even if you take one class (or two if you glaze), I highly recommend getting out there and trying to let your inner artist come out. Everyone has one. It's just scary to try to find a means of expressing yourself. Even scarier when you expose those creations for public consumption.

I encourage you to prioritize creative outlets that support your personal growth and enjoyment.

Experiment with different outlets, and find something to help you decompress and express. It's so worth it, even if it's something as simple as bird watching. (I recommend the Merlin App for that!) Being passionate is a core human experience, and everyone is passionate about something.

In my yoga teacher bio, I talked about my goal being to allow everyone a safe space to express themselves and experiment with what is supportive to their lives. My views in the art fields are the very same. Music, pottery, crochet, and yes, even bird watching. It's so important that you give yourself the gift of expression, and even more supportive to find people to support you in doing so.

I wish you luck in your artistic journey!

My Creations

Orr Studio

Artist's Way