Anyone do pottery?

[fan_of_small_world]

I just started taking a pottery class a few weeks ago, and I love it! I've thrown two pieces already, and they aren't awful! I'll learn how to foot them next class and then they should be ready for the kiln. I can't wait to see how they turn out.

 

[Imzadi]

Good for you!!!

 

[debbi801]

Good for you!!! Watch out, it gets very addictive!

I am a professional potter (amongst other professions.) I started out thinking only to take a 12 week class on the wheel & now, 19 years later, I sell at craft fairs, teach at various studios & community colleges now and then. I love every aspect of pottery.

I just took a weekend workshop, myself, last month with a master potter & am planning on taking a different weekend workshop at the end of the month at an advanced thesis level.

What's great about pottery is that you can take a mush of clay and make it into soooo many things, soooo many styles, sooo many techniques, colors, functional, non-functional/decorative, etc. It's ENDLESS what can be done with clay!!!

Just really go in and use the studio time they give for practice and make as many pieces as you can. The more you make, the more you et to practice the different techniques & glaze the all differently. What's great is if you don't like how something turned out, just moosh it back up and start with a new ball of clay. And the cost of firing each piece is minimal to the joy you will get when one turns out really well.

Very true. My sister was an art major in college and took a pottery class. She is now going for a masters degree in pottery/ceramics.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

I think I already am addicted, LOL!

Do you have any of your pieces on the internet? I've found a new interest in looking at what others have done. Looking for inspiration, I guess.

The place where I take my classes is great. They run the class year-round, and you can join anytime. The first time you go you are taught the basics, and from there you just go at your own pace. The instructor moves around the room giving advice, teaching new techniques, etc. And, the nice thing for me (having 2 kids) is that you pay as you go, so it's OK to miss a week if a child is sick or DH has to go out of town.

I really love working on the wheel, and I can't wait to experiment with different glazes. I enjoy painting, and I do calligraphy, so I think I'll really like that part too.

 

[mytwotinks]

That sounds fun. I've always wanted to take a pottery class. Where is a good place to look for one?

 

[fan_of_small_world]

I'd call any local art studios and see if they offer any classes, or if they know someone who does. Also, your township may offer it through their parks and rec department. And check into community colleges - they sometimes have pottery classes, either as part of their art program or as continuing ed.