Turnings

I have been learning to throw pottery on the wheel. I am taking a ceramics class at our local Rec Center, and it has been amazing for many reasons.

First - it is the first time in a year I have been in a room with more than the people I live with. We take precautions, like wearing masks and staying mostly 6' away from each other. But the casual conversation while we work is just a treat. The six other women in my class range in age, and it always surprises me that I am actually the oldest one! When did that happen???

Second - I simply love the wheel. The slow process of centering, the up and down coning to get all the air bubbles out of the clay, the wetness and smoothness of the surface. I love the way the clay bends and moves according to very slight hand pressure. With very subtle, even motions, the lumpy ball turns into a graceful, elegant form. It is so pleasing.

At this stage, half the shapes I start with end up collapsing, or rotating off center, or being too lumpy or thick or thin. But with more practice, I am growing in skill, and this growth really is satisfying.

Now and then, something catches, I move too quickly or lose concentration, and the whole shape goes off.

Trimming, as well, has risks and just a little push too hard makes the whole pot go wacky.

Third - I am not always upset with the surprises. After trimming, there is glazing, which always brings unexpected results. I spend hours watching you tube videos on throwing, trimming, decorating and glazing. It is a lovely new world of creativity.

Even the off-centered or thick-walled or drippy-glazed pots thrill me. And although I really admire the perfection of production potters, (who I spend hours watching on you tube) I know I will continue to be a person who experiments and admires the happy accidents.

Turnings of clay, of seasons, of years, changes that are expected and many that are not, it feels like a spiral of growth toward some peak. I am looking forward to what that might be.