When I entered the ceramics studio for the first time on Feb. 7, I didn’t know what to expect. I had never entered the clay-covered, music-rocking studio before. What I was planning on asking was, in my mind, a 50-50.
I wanted to learn how to make a pot, or something small, in roughly two weeks.
First, disclaimer: I have never taken ceramics before. Ever.
The only relationship I had to the program is my brother, who took the class in Middle School for a year. So, I wasn’t expecting a tentative yes to the proposal from ceramics instructor Scott Ziegler — the legend those in the ceramics program refer to as Mr. Z. After talking over details and hopes for the project, I left the ceramics studio in high spirits.
At the start of the next week, I reentered, greeted with (what I would come to realize is common) sarcastic humor from Ziegler and the rest of the ceramics students working during their free period.
Before I had wedged my clay, shaped my cup, or added my design, I immediately picked up on certain energy and culture within the room — a tight-knit, casually-serious community dedicated to their craft.
My actual building process was pretty straightforward. On the first day, Ziegler explained how to wedge clay — the process of removing air bubbles from fresh clay — and explained the basic idea of what a pinch cup (my project type) is.
After his explanation, I began to work on my cup. I began with the wedging process, taking roughly a tennis ball’s worth of clay from the clay bin and then working it, almost like kneading dough. I then made a sphere, pushed my thumb into the center creating the opening for the cup, and began to slowly work the clay outward, forming the shape of the cup.
Over the next few days, I continued this process, refining the shape into a somewhat smooth surface with somewhat even curves. Next, I used stamps to add a design to the cup, used some water to smooth out the rim, and went over final tweaks before Ziegler fired the cup for the first time.
The process wasn’t overly complicated, but it required completely new skills, and as I finished my project, I had some distinct takeaways.
First, I was reminded to expect failure when trying something new. I tried to approach this experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn something completely new, and that resulted in a product that I am happy with (despite its flaws) and an experience I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
And second, what I think is more important, was that I was reminded again about the tight-knit communities here on campus that students enjoy. Even though I participated in ceramics for just a few weeks making my pinch pot, I felt at home and included in their inner circle.
As a senior with less than 100 days left until I graduate, it is experiences like these that cement the importance of community at our school, and I look forward to finishing the final touches on my project.
