Pinch pot to pottery wheel: My first time throwing clay
The pottery wheel has always held an allure for me. Maybe it was that sexy scene with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in Ghost, or more recently, people in clay-covered overalls sensually sculpting on Instagram (it’s quite the trend now!).
It feels like ceramics is the kind of hobby I’m meant to have in my life, and I’m determined to learn it!
My foray into clay started with pinch pots at a private workshop (you can read about my experience here), but I knew the potter’s wheel would be a whole different level: one which requires serious patience.
When Em invited me to try the creative workshop Pottery Wheel and Wine, I was excited but also nervous, so I bought my mum for support. And Mum ended up completely showing me up (more on that later!).
As we walked into Hobby Studio, I was happy to be welcomed by creative expert Megan who led the pinch pot class I attended last time. Megan is incredibly passionate about ceramics, but she’s also open to the fact that the art form didn't come naturally to her. In fact, it took her many hours to master it. I appreciate the honesty! Megan is also patient, which is helpful when you suffer from self-doubt as I do.
Ditch the self-doubt, just throw clay
Me, my mum and the rest of the group (only about 10 of us) snacked on the platter and drank the wine (HOH puts on quite a spread) while Megan taught us the basics on the wheel. There’s a lot to throwing a pot – moulding the clay, wetting the wheel, throwing the clay, centering the clay, shaping the clay and so on. You can’t just start spinning. I got the feeling everyone else was dying to get going, while it was dawning on me just how hard it was going to be.
After slamming my clay on the wheel (perhaps too hard), I tried to remember what Megan said about using my whole body strength to keep the clay centre as the wheel spins. It was tough! I snuck a peek at my mum and could see her previous clay experience shining through. She was thriving! Mum had created a perfect little bowl. Me? I was struggling.
I managed to get my clay into a (very phallic looking) cylinder, and then it fell off-kilter. Once your clay falls off centre, it’s pretty much shot! I ended up with more than a few phallic shapes, and the woman next to me suggested it was a sign I had something on my mind! We laughed as I placed my sad, droopy objects into the “used clay” pile.
There’s nothing like sharing a challenging experience like clay throwing to unite you with a stranger! Actually, this is one of the things I love about HOH’s creative workshops. You end up having unexpected interactions with people you don’t know, and this makes the experience even more special.
Don’t give up
After 4-5 failed attempts at trying to make a shape, I felt defeated. With only 20 minutes left in the workshop, I was scared that perhaps I would go home without anything to put in the kiln (HOH fires your clay so you can make something to keep forever!)
Sensing my defeat, Brooke came over to lend me a hand. She corrected my posture and gave me pointers on cupping the spinning clay in my hands. I finally managed to keep it centred as Brooke guided me. Just as we were instructed to pack up, I created a little shape! What? I didn’t care. I made something! But I couldn't have done it without Brooke. I appreciated her determination and kindness to get me to finish at least something.
After three hours of clay-making (time flies when you're on the wheel), we began to pack up. Megan assured us that it took her a long time to get comfortable on the wheel and you really have to put in the work. It isn’t a one-time thing. Megan gave us recommendations of longer courses we could try if we wanted to take ceramics more seriously, and I noted these down.
As my mum gave me a lift home, we had a big laugh about my many phallic objects and chatted about how much fun it was just hanging out with a group of novice potters! It got our minds off work and encouraged us to play. HOH’s workshops balance fun and learning perfectly. Gossiping while you throw clay with one hand and drink champagne with the other? Yes, please! What a treat.
A candle holder was born
A few weeks later, I received an email from HOH. Our ceramics were back from the kiln! I trotted off to Hobby Studio to retrieve my attempt at becoming Demi Moore in Ghost. I was so happy to know my ceramic didn’t crack. Em said it made the perfect candle holder and gave me a candle to try. It fit perfectly!
After the introduction class, I now feel more prepared to commit to a pottery course. And this is the great thing about HOH workshops, they give you a taste of all these different hobbies so you can decide on what you want to pursue later. I’ve now done two pottery workshops with HOH and each one has taught me skills I can develop further.
Thinking of trying your hand at clay? I highly recommend it! HOH is a safe space where you can give anything a go! You can book your creative workshop here.
Naomi Faye is a Perth copywriter and branding coach who helps creatives clarify their message and build a meaningful brand with words. Naomi’s mission? To help you express yourself online and give you the confidence to keep creating and sharing your gifts with the world. You can follow Naomi’s creative journey here.