Pottering became a trending hobby during the pandemic; internauts had a lot of time available to explore different activities. Regular people became renowned artists on the TikTok platform, growing communities that demanded products, which would slowly turn into an income-generating activity.
But besides the beauty of ceramics and their sustainability, pottering also brings emotional fulfillment to individuals. Playing with clay and creating something can be therapeutic for many people as it requires their full-time attention, which promotes mindfulness.
Some even blend pottering with a meditative process, as the activity is demanding in terms of labor. Pottering cannot necessarily help people recover from their traumas, however, it can contribute to improving one’s well-being. Here’s what to know about it.
How can pottery help you develop?
Doing pottery as a form of art therapy is a great way to escape the daily struggle and stress. It can help with mood management, as the creative process of making ceramics allows you to externalize your feelings and thoughts in a tangible form.
The process of touching and creating a form from clay can reduce stress levels. At the same time, you’re rewarded with the finished product. This is why pottery is sometimes used in group therapy settings, as it’s a way for people to showcase their emotions without being judged.
On the other hand, making pottery with others can significantly improve communication skills and help you feel happier as you’ve got something in common with others. Sharing skills and experiences is always a good way to feel better.
What do you need to start pottering?
Clay is the main thing you need for pottering. There are different types of this product, each with its unique features. Air-dry clay is great for experiments and suitable for decorative pieces only, like plates or vases.
On the other hand, porcelain clay is one of the best quality, but it’s also expensive. Trying to work with clay and create different forms can be challenging, but many artists put their sculptures for sale online, and you can get some to have some tangible inspiration and practice your skills.
Besides clay, you’ll also need a pottery wheel, a kiln, and glazes. If you’re interested in pottery classes, the costs may increase, so it’s best to consider your budget before starting pottering. Still, you may find second-hand tools that can reduce your expenses.
Unfortunately, additional ongoing costs might arise as you continue pottering since some tools might require replacement over time. You can approach DIY pottery with budget-friendly pottery and targeting sales and discounts.
What skills are needed in pottery?
While it can be a simple hobby, pottery will help develop some skills or enhance the ones you already master. For instance, the following abilities are helpful in pottery:
- Hand-eye coordination is needed for adding details;
- Creativity will help create aesthetic and crafted pieces;
- Organizational skills for using the right amount of clay;
- Collaboration skills during classes of pottery;
While pottery is a relatively companionless activity because it requires so much concentration, it allows you the time to think through your creations. If you’re working in a class, the joy of sharing your work with others will make up for the time spent alone. But you may also make pottery a side hustle.
How can you make pottery a source of income?
If you’re really into pottery and are encouraged by friends and family to share your work with others, you may consider making it a part-time job. Your salary will depend on the hours worked and access to local craft markets.
It’s best to take classes and find an apprenticeship to make the most of your skills and prove them to your audience before trying to make it your full-time employment. Many art studios accept entry-level students in pottery, so you need to find one in your area.
Following this step, you may want to invest in your own equipment if you want to work independently. A studio or any space to work is needed besides the wheel, clay, and paint because it might get too messy to work at home.
After you create a certain number of clay products, you could try selling them online on unique platforms or around the neighborhood. Still, having an online brand image will help gain more exposure.
Still, you must overcome challenges
Like most hobbies, pottery isn’t straightforward and requires a lot of practice. Mastering it can become frustrating, as these issues are frequent for someone who works with clay:
- Clay can crack during the drying or cooling process due to uneven handling;
- Uneven heating can lead to kiln issues;
- Centering and shaping the clay isn’t that simple;
- The drying time needs to be correctly operated;
- Details and finishing require a lot of patience;
- Storing the end product requires enough space and proper conditions;
Indeed, while others find pottering helpful, others might become more stressed and frustrated with the entire process. That’s why pottering isn’t the perfect hobby for everyone.
Discover ceramic professionals who love pottery
However, if you’re eager to continue pottering, you might encourage yourself by watching the works of renowned artists.
These individuals have mastered different techniques for working with ceramics, such as hand building, throwing, or pinching, and have created some of the best works of art. Bernard Leach, for example, was heavily inspired by Japanese culture in creating its ceramics.
Lucie Rie, on the other hand, mixed pottery with vases or bottles, making some of the most impressive tableware during the 50s and 60s. Peter Voulkos was known for casting clay sculptures in bronze, and he believed that ceramics didn’t need to have a use case to be loved.
What do you think about pottering?
Pottering has become a popular hobby for every audience, as its popularity surged during the pandemic.
It’s approachable since materials and tools are somewhat affordable, and people have started selling their creations to generate additional income. Pottery is also an efficient method to improve one’s well-being and lower stress levels.