Open Studios is my opportunity to talk to the people who are specifically interested in pottery or ceramics and during the event, to connect with visiting potters, ceramicists and enthusiasts. It shows how strong our industry is.
For the last few years I'm really enjoying teaching my skills to other people. The interaction, after years of not having social contact, either working in my studio or as an apiarist is stimulating.
The lesson experiences which I’m thoroughly enjoying providing, are about people sharing time with their friends and family, being connected, having a laugh and creating something … in that order. I love watching people as they go from being all thumbs to getting close to centring, and then marvelling at what they have formed! It’s their work and they are chuffed with it. It’s not only the experience of the moment, when they receive their pots, they are reminded of their holiday or time together every time they look at it or hopefully, proudly use it! With the increased interest in pottery in the community, I’ve enjoyed mentoring trainees and giving access to our studio to young people as well as those who are seeking some guidance. They bring enthusiasm and freshness, and try new things that I can help with technical advice and it encourages me to think further outside the box. This might be a few days of throwing practice and I provide tips as they go. It doesn’t cost anything but time on a wheel and they can grow from the experience.
In 2023 I spent time reflecting on glaze technology as I completed a course, and have come out the other side a lot more confident about what I’m doing as a chemist, though still observing how much more experimenting there is to go. It is always thrilling to open a kiln and see what tests look like. Thankfully, it more often a positive experience than not, and the feeling of anticipation hasn’t dissipated yet.
This Open Studios there will be old favourites, now classic and collectible, and a variety of pots in a wide range of these new glazes. Alongside our lesson experiences on offer, I hope to do offer a few evening master classes for intermediate or higher level potters.