The pottery wheel. Quietly whirling, always centered. Once you are pulled in by its magic, it is hard to let it go. There is no end to the lessons of the wheel. As soon as you think you have mastered it, it humbles you. As soon as you are humble, it lets you make something breathtaking.
People are always amazed how very difficult it is to throw a pot. It's difficult. It's even more difficult to throw a good one, or to throw ten that somewhat look like each other.
Becoming a master can take a lifetime.
But still, you try.
If you are working on the wheel, and you forget to focus, even for a minute, the clay goes off center.
Ka-plunk.
Ka-plunk.
The wheel demands, over and over, that you stay in the moment. Focused. Centered. It will not forgive you if you forget this. It will make you pay.
With a big pile of wet clay that you have to rework.
The wheel is my tool for finding my center. It's been that way for years now. If I work at the wheel, I forget everything. I only see clay gliding smoothly under my wet fingers. I only feel the moment. I only imagine getting as much clay as possible off the wheel and up into the air. To form a new pot. A new bowl. A new plate. A new rice bowl. A new vase.
A new me.
The wheel is all about
balance.
15 comments:
You have such a way with words--and with the wheel. Gorgeous! I may have to come up there for lessons....
Ditto what Michelle said. You should make your "hands on the wheel" photo your profile! Love that photo (and these). I need to do some creative crafting (mine is more paper goods, and nowhere near the level of execution, but still satisfying.)
So glad you have this in your life and that you and Micha found yourselves a place where you can have a studio and your own kiln. That is huge!
Ah, I love this entry.
My mother had a kickwheel in the basement when I was a kid. She was a hobby potter for many years until she went back to work fulltime and the wheel was given away to an art school. I miss it, and messy fun, and the thrill of pushing my thumbs down to open up a pot.
Great entry, Diana.
Enlightening to read about the focus necessary to be the potter.
Next time I am being me entranced as I watch a potter, I'll remember this post.
Love your last two posts! Spoke with DeeAnne on the phone for the first time last weekend...on my short list...a trip to Baur B&B and to meet you! Happy weekend!
Very beautiful images and words! I find pottery fascinating, would love to try it someday. Good to hear a realistic perspective of how challenging - and rewarding - it is!
Some day I hope to be sitting down to use plates and bowls that I have purchased from you. Your work is beautiful.
What a lovely post - so poetic!
Cara Diana,
I did not know "throwing a pot" could be such a poetic process. I can tell your hands are in love! Enjoy your weekend behind the wheel! Bacione, Ingrid in Umbria
What a beautiful post! I once had a go at the pottery wheel, and was surprised by the physical strength that is needed! It most definitely humbled me, but it's on the list of things I'd love to try again.
Very lovely description. I had a pottery class in high school and try as I may, I could never center a pot. I am all about getting my hands dirty and I so desperately wanted to do pottery... but needless to say, I have traded clay in for fabric as my medium of choice.
I have always loved hand made pottery, yet have feared the wheel, maybe it's because one needs to be centered....and I am always a little off kilter...love your blog.
Very beautiful and meaningful words!!! I understand you...creautivity is fantastic to make the mind free! You're very talented!
Happy new week!
Big hugs
Vale
Thanks for stopping by my blog Diana - it was Janie from Panini Girl who turned me on to your amazing blog!
I'm so glad i discovered your blog through 'decor8' where I go every once in a while. i love this post & where it comes from. I have been thinkin of learning pottery for a while now & after reading your post, I feel I need it more than ever.
Like everyone here has already said, you say what you have to say very beautifully and thats such a gift. I'm off to read more of your blog. Thanx! :)
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