Pottery
Dianne Garrett
When I finished work I decided, like many others, to do some things that I’d always wanted to try but had never had time. At that time I lived in London and was fortunate to find an Adult Education Centre with very good facilities for pottery and an excellent tutor.
With great trepidation I joined the beginners’ part of the class and started to hand build pots. Our teacher was very strict about getting things correct right from the start (for which I have been very grateful) as I was always one to try easy quick ways and it never really works out.
After a year of making various pots, bottles and objects, I was encouraged to try to use the wheel. This was really daunting as the other students were so expert at this, but I persevered and after several months managed to centre and throw the clay correctly. I found that this takes a lot of practice and patience. Pounds of clay ended up being recycled. Eventually I managed to throw fairly good pots and the fact that you have achieved a really good pot, dish or bottle is a great feeling.
If like me, you have never done pottery before I would thoroughly recommend you try as it is very satisfying. I will always be grateful to my pottery tutor for all the help and encouragement he gave me.
I have been unable to do any pottery recently and have taken up painting and drawing but I still cannot get pots out of my head, as is evident in many of my paintings.
