Spreading the clay! Zoe’s Story
“Take a breath and work at the clay’s pace.”
How long have you been doing pottery and what sparked your interest into trying it?
I had my first throwing session about 18 months ago at The Ceramics Studio. I have always loved 3D art, sculpture and ceramics. It’s the thing I buy on my holidays - bowls and jugs from all over the world.
Every year while watching Throwdown I want to have a go. A couple of years ago I checked to see if there was anywhere near me that I could try, without committing to a term of evening classes, and happily The Ceramics Studio popped up on Google. I signed up to the newsletter for session info when the lockdowns lifted. The Studio was perfect for me. My working hours are varied so being able to have sessions that worked for me was ideal.
“I love the endless possibilities that a lump of clay gives you. Is it going to be a mug, an animal, a bird bath! ”
What do you most like about pottery and how does it help you?
The focus and mindfulness that is needed to make and the joy and pride when a piece turns out exactly as you’d imagined and hoped. To be honest this doesn’t always happen. But, when it does it can’t be beaten.
Clay teaches you patience. You can’t rush any of the processes. This is sometimes very frustrating especially as someone who wants instant results. If you rush, it breaks, you regret. Take a breath and work at the clay’s pace.
One YEAR Sucess!
We are so proud to say that Zoe worked her way through our throwing course programme and produced this beautiful teapot in only a year!
She persevered with our foundation course, Throwing Parts 1, 2 & 3 and then went on to learn skills like lids and going large.
She also attended decorating and glazing courses which we think really shows in this wonderful little teapot!
Where do you find your inspiration to help you to create your ideas and work?
I am mainly inspired by the natural world. Sea, sky, sand, trees - the way it makes you feel, colours and the textures.
I was keen to know as much as possible about all aspects of making. My brain has been a sponge that can’t get enough. Books, workshops, practise. I may be a lot poorer financially but my creative cup overfloweth.
What are your favourite things to make and materials to use?
I love working with terracotta, both throwing and handbuilding. It feels amazing.
I have recently started experimenting with stoneware clay. I enjoy making functional ware; bowls, vases, plates, mugs etc. and raku. You cannot plan, it’s elemental. Clay and fire. And the results are gloriously unexpected.
What are your personal pottery goals?
I would love to be more proficient in repeat throwing, to be able to make matching(ish) sets. To throw with more than 2kg of clay and to have the capabilities and knowledge of handbuilding to be able to tackle anything my mind comes up with.
Is there anything that the studio could do to help you along your own pottery journey?
As I start experimenting with new clays and glazes at home I feel like I have the support and guidance of Gaye and Leyla.
I would like to start altering shapes. Vases into sculpture, round dishes into square casseroles….
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I had never seen a bird bath I liked, that I could afford.
So when the opportunity to be guided through handbuilding whatever I wanted came up at the studio I jumped at the chance. I hadn’t realised the breadth of skills I would learn from that one project. Coiling, slab building and making large!
My bird bath is now in my garden. I still can't quite believe I made it!