The Skills in Shaping Clay

In this age of longevity it is important to be strategic and considered when planning how to remain fulfilled and challenged both in our working lives and leisure time.  The Clay Yard courses aim to empower all potters to fulfil their creative potential, to step out of their comfort zone, to take risks and to challenge themselves. 

Ruth demonstrates perseverance, resilience, determination and adaptability. Her pot is tangible evidence of her admirable qualities.

Their skills improve not just in working with their hands to make functional and beautiful pottery but in the development of qualities that can lead to improved job satisfaction, better interpersonal relationships and a greater understanding of self. 

These skills are transferable.  They can be applied to a wide and varied range of contexts and are commonly observed in the potters working in the studio: 

• Adaptable

  The potter that is adaptable is rarely fixed to one project, having one or two pots on the go and a backup plan tucked in to their tool-box. 

• Dedication

  Dedicated to their craft, a committed potter will self-manage their projects and keep their eye on the development of their own work and the work of experts within their line of sight.  They aspire to improve and have high standards and expectations of themselves.

• Reflective

  The potter with a reflective approach will move forward in their skills, learning from challenges and seeing the value of process as a key stage in their development.  They are unafraid of failure and willing to take risks.  

• Intuitive

  Intuitive in approach, a potter who has the confidence to ask the right questions and find answers through exploration and self-motivated interest.  They are curious, keeping their ear to the ground.  They will improve through their need to have an understanding of the “why”. 

It is an interesting observation that the making of the pot is so much more than shaping with clay, it’s also shaping qualities that make for an able, interesting and capable individual. For more information and to book a class or to explore team-building opportunities get in touch with Alison on info@theclayyardtotnes.co.uk or visit www.theclayyardtotnes.co.uk.