Pottery

Ever since I was a youngster I have had a fascination with clay and with the creation of something functional from something seemingly nonfunctional. Yesterday I ventured into the artistic world of pottery. I started a class at the North Mount Pleasant Arts Center. This center is located mere blocks away from my house, and as such I had seen the old converted school on my way to work every day for many months as I traversed the landscape on my way downtown. I had always wanted to take a class and I finally signed up and paid my dues. Yesterday was the first class and I went expecting nothing and hoping for everything. I was happy that we got to touch clay the first class, and then to my surprise I was allowed on a pottery wheel to try my hand at throwing a pot. It was the most organic experience of the last few weeks. I have never created something so useful out of something so earthly looking. The brick of clay looked lifeless, and still to some degree does, but it now has taken the shape of a bowl that I plan to use for my breakfast. As the clay whirled around I was struck by how solid it felt, and yet at the same time I was taken by the malleability of said clay when the right pressure is placed upon it. After a time I found myself covered in slip, the clay water that is the product of much spinning of the wheel. The messy nature of the wheel is something that makes it so enticing as it is for once mildly glamorous to be messy and dirty. As the night neared an end I wanted to continue, but it was late and I needed to clean myself up. So, why do I like pottery so much. It's organic, not in the sense of no pesticides or antibiotics, but in the sense of the simplicity of creation of something from nothing. I like pottery because it is functional. The pieces that I make can be used to hold things, and to present food items during festivities and other such events. I also like the way my hands feel as they shape what was once earth into a vessel that will become earthenware. Holding an item that I created is something I treasure above all. Originality with a purpose is so refreshing and enlightening.