Ten Things I’m Learning from Pottery Class

At the invitation of my friend, Milla, I signed up for a pottery class this winter at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. To be honest, I decided to take the class mostly as a fun excuse to hang out and talk with Milla, as if walking our dogs together wasn’t excuse enough. But I also thought it’d be a bright diversion in an otherwise dark and bleak winter. Let’s face it, days upon days of cloudy, cold weather can get depressing. But I had no idea how it would open my eyes to all the intricacies of bowls, cups, and everything pottery, as well as show me parallel lessons for life.

So here is just a short list of ten things I’m learning from my pottery class.

1. Unless you center your lump of clay, you will always be fighting against it. I think the same is true for us as people–if we aren’t true to who we are–our personality, dreams, ideas, etc–we will always be fighting against ourselves.

2. Sometimes you just have put your full weight into the clay to make it work. Life isn’t easy, and there’s times we really have to push through to get to the other side.

3. Not every piece you start will make it to the end. Knowing when to abandon a project or idea is as important as knowing when to keep going. And it’s OK if you don’t succeed with every endeavor.

4. Many mistakes can be fixed with just a little creativity. Don’t beat yourself up over minor mistakes–just fix them and move on. Most people will never know.

5. A little more time spent prepping can save you a lot of frustration later. It’s tempting to rush through the boring steps of projects and life, but patience and taking time to prepare can help you achieve your goals with less pain.

6. Everyone has a slightly different method and approach to reach the same results. There’s usually more than one way to approach a problem. Yours may be different, but it’s not wrong.

7. Always overestimate how much clay you need. Pottery shrinks in the kiln. What you thought was a coffee mug becomes a sake cup. So start big with your projects and then whittle them down.

8. It usually takes many years to be good at something. Don’t try to be perfect on your first try at something. Be content to learn the basics before striving for the advanced.

9. No matter how long you’ve been doing something, you’re never free from mistakes. Even the most seasoned expert is fallible. There’s no need to let mistakes destroy your confidence.

10. The fruits of your labor make the pain and frustration all worth it. Take time to enjoy the results of your hard work and effort. Be proud of your accomplishments, regardless of how imperfect they may appear.

Speaking of results. I got to take home my first two finished pieces this week–a bowl and a would-be-mug-turned-tiny-lopsided-teacup. I must admit, it’s pretty cool to eat breakfast out of the bowl you made.

pittsburgh pottery class

Kirstin - I’m taking a pottery class at PCA too! Do you have cynthia? Glad you are enjoying it. And I love your bowl!

Nicole - I took pottery too and I love how you accurately summed it up. My instructor always left an intentional mark/flaw/impression in his work, which I think accurately translates to how we all are in life. Though we strive for perfection we all have some mark or flaw that gives us character.

Hannah Wood - I really like those analogies! My favorite is number 1. Your pottery is looking beautiful. 🙂

Kara - How fun! I love your “mug” and bowl – they look great. 🙂

Nancy Schwarz - Is there a “Handmade by Mary” gift in my future?? I’d love to sip out a cup you made anytime! I love your parallel pottery/life lessons. I’m sending them to our Art teacher.

Gerhard - Thanks for sharing this Mary. Interesting 10 points and I like 9 & 10. Would love to it as well. The results are also beautiful in my eyes.

Milla - Love it! What beeeautiful pottery you made, my dear. And, even better, how nice it is to have another night with YOU!

caroline - Oh, I wish I’d known they do these. I took pottery in college, and loved it (I also learned about the kiln=shrinky dink thing the hard way).

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