Four Reasons to Learn Handbuilding
Pottery making is usually broken down into two main categories: Wheel-thrown and handbuilt ceramics. Wheel-thrown ceramics is pretty self-explanatory because it just refers to the single technique of working on the pottery wheel. Handbuilding, on the other hand, covers multiple techniques, including ceramics made from slabs of clay, pinch pots, coiling, and more.
Four Reasons Why Handbuilding Might Be Right for You
Handbuilding is very rewarding because it offers a unique mix of wide creative license along with the ability to achieve repeatable, consistent results.
You can be successful at handbuilding right away. The pottery wheel requires us to remember and practice fundamental steps again and again, but you can sit down with your clay and an inspiration, and with just a few key concepts can create something beautiful the first time you give it a try.
Handbuilt projects can be completed over time—as long as you keep your piece at the proper stage of workability, you can come back to it and continue to create.
You can combine multiple handbuilding techniques in a single piece. You can even add handbuilt elements to your wheel-thrown pottery, creating a completely unique artistic statement or customizing a piece for a specific functional purpose.
Most of the one-time workshops Mud Lily offers explore a single handbuilding technique in a single setting. This allows you to learn while you enjoy a relaxing experience. Or take a 4-session handbuilding class: You’ll discover multiple techniques and become proficient in using the cool handbuilding tools and equipment we have at the studio.
Let’s give a big round of applause to handbuilt ceramics!
The Journey of Release
When we learn to let go, more energy flows and less effort is needed.
When we become overwhelmed and things are not going as planned, it is natural to hold tighter to our goals and try to force things to go our way. In the process, we tie ourselves in knots, tensing our shoulders, jaws, and muscles throughout our bodies. Our mind tells us that this is how to get a firmer grip on a situation that feels out of control, but as we create knots in our bodies we are blocking the flow of our energy, exhausting ourselves by exerting more effort yet accomplishing less. At these times, though it may seem counterintuitive, our higher selves know it's better to let go.
This may not be quite as easy as it sounds… we need to be aware that this is a process to breathe through. First, we need to let go of our idea of what the perfect outcome should be, and allow that the intelligence that drives the universe knows better than we do how everything fits together for the highest good. Then we might have to release our imagined consequences and realize that, in most cases, the worst that could happen really isn't that bad. We may need to remember how to relax, first by taking deep breaths…
…When we relax and let life's energy flow through our minds, bodies, spirits, and lives, we will find that we can accomplish more with less effort and feel good doing it. We don't have to tie ourselves in knots. Instead, we can let the ribbons of our energy unfurl to gracefully direct us through life's abundant flow.
When I read the above passage from The Daily Om, I immediately thought of sitting at the pottery wheel, wanting the outcome to be beautiful and perfect, but instead getting tense in my shoulders and — not really realizing it — holding my breath. Watching those who have never thrown pottery before, I can often see the hesitation and the holding back; just as often I see tensing and tight gripping, trying to gain control of the spinning wet clay lump.
I still tense when I sit at the wheel, especially when I have a fixed idea of what the final product ought to resemble. But when I am aware of my forcing and illusion of control, I relax a bit, take a deep breath and just feel the clay, guiding it to center. The more I breathe and relax, the more the clay cooperates. The less I hold my breath and hunch my shoulders, the looser my grip becomes… and the better the outcome.
Of course, this applies to so many things in our lives. For me — at the wheel and in my daily routine — I am trying to pause, feel the tension then let it go… gently guiding instead forcing. When I remember, the task does get lighter and I feel much more in the flow.
Couples Pottery Experience: You Complete Me
Take a look at all of the fun we had with our couples pottery class to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
Perspective and Motherhood
perspective
“Remember, you and your child
are travelers through infinite time.
How you interact is important
enough to change lifetimes of karma;
yet it is an insignificant drop in the
ocean of relationship through which
you both move.
Keep in mind the endless nature
of being, and your journey will
gain perspective.”
The Tao of Motherhood by Vimala McClure
On Mother's Day Weekend, several moms, grandmas and children came to Mud Lily to spend some time together making memories with clay. The project was simple pinch pots (although this imaginative group did anything but simple) however, the real objective of this workshop was to engage moms and kids -- side by side -- in trying something different while disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with family.
It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday, watching the creations come together from a lump of clay to planter full of underglaze, imagination and anticipation. Most of all, it was beautiful to see the interactions among generations.
Winner! Winner! Workshop Winner!
Last month, Susan and I spent a beautiful Sunday at the Rolando Street Fair meeting great folks from around San Diego and La Mesa. We wanted to spread the good word about Mud Lily and our pottery classes, wheel and hand building workshops, and open studio space.
We received a lot of interest in our cozy pottery studio. And now we'd like to announce the winner of a free workshop -- Congratulations to Mario Mayorga!
Thanks to all who came by our booth and chatted with us, played with clay, and signed up to get our love via email. And special thanks to the Gibbs who shared their home, food and bathroom with us! We'll be back next year ; )
Spring Has Sprung
Spring has a way of changing my energy. Even in usually sunny San Diego, this new season brings me fresh opportunities, anticipation and hope. Spring cleaning, open windows and later sunsets signal renewal and with it, great possibilities.
Susan and I have been enjoying the Mud Lily Community that is blossoming... new students are always an inspiration to us all, current members are growing and exploring their skills, and of course, shared home baked goodies are unexpected treats! I still pinch myself when I think of how Susan and I switched trajectories exactly a year ago and began searching for properties while brainstorming how to bring a pottery studio to life. Looking back, we had a vision, but the spirit of Mud Lily has really developed with the makers that join us. There are those that feel the need for a little "me-time" space, those that have a creative itch and surrender to the potential of clay for an evening, and those that gift themselves by creating pieces they can proudly share with others. They all contribute to the positive energy of our space.
We've posted most of our schedule through July(!) and in addition to open studio hours and classes have added some fun EXPLORE workshops as well as a few new one-time workshops. Spring is a great time for fresh adventures -- Susan and I hope you'll join our community to uncover your budding creativity!
Well hello, Bryan, Katie, Michelle and Rachael!
What a fine Sunday at Mud Lily with these four--learning some ceramics in our pottery wheel workshop. Can't wait to see these beauties fired and glazed (the pottery, not the people)!
Learning the Potter’s Wheel
Learning to use the pottery wheel for the first time, or coming back to it after a little break, challenges us to step out of our comfort zone, asks us to accept the process, and reward us for our patience with deep inner satisfaction!
Spring Greening
Green glazes from Mud Lily ceramics classes, pottery workshops, and studio potters. Spring is just around the corner!
Amaco True Celadon, Coyote Pistachio Shino, Coyote Pam’s Green, Laguna Cerulean, Coyote Gunmetal Green. Work by studio members and students.
New Beginnings
We're starting a new four-week Discover Clay series this morning! Fresh clay, pottery tools and of course cookies, plus some sunshine will greet our new students. Welcome!
Year of the Dog
Honest and loyal, dogs are the truest friends and most reliable partner.
Doesn't your best friend deserve a new bowl for his new year? On Saturday, March 10th Mud Lily helps you and your child make a personalized ceramic bowl for your pup, cat, bird or turtle.
Enjoy some family bonding time in our cozy pottery studio in La Mesa. We'll guide you in forming and decorating your piece, then fire it for pick up.
Enjoy family time for your family pet and join us for this fun clay workshop!
Mud Puppy Boba
Mud Puppy Champ