Apex37
Chumono
About 2 years ago I took a one day 2 hour pottery wheel course from a local pottery studio and really enjoyed it. They never told me the first pot you throw is your best. 
Hereās the pot:
View attachment 487589
I was actually able to get two done in that 2 hour course, hereās the second:
The glazes they had available at that studio were actually pretty damn nice. Iāll have to be going back at some point as they offer studio rental time.
Fast forward to the start of this year. Having been fully into the bonsai hobby, I started wanting to do an actual ceramics class. I decided to sign up for a Ceramics I class at the local community college.
We started with pinch pots and building with coils and then moved to the wheel. I must say my second experience using the wheel was a lot more of a learning curve. I struggled for a bit and at one point had class 5 times in a row not making a single thing, but I pushed through it and started somewhat figuring out my groove. My biggest regret during the class wasnāt taking more time to learn slab pot building. However, it was still a class I was being graded on, so unfortunately I could spend the entire time making pots. A good portion of my time was spent building the projects we were assigned and in my downtime I worked on making pots.
I made a total of 6 pots that were usable. 3 arenāt much, either their floor is too thin or theyāre a wonky shape.
These were my best pots I did:
The footless doodoo pot -
This next one I liked a lot, especially the glaze, but I just wish I had brought up and out the walls more as itās a bit chunky.
My favorite pot that I made in regards to shape, form, and evenness. I expected the glaze to have more green in it, but itās still really unique in the light.
Things I learned:
1. Pottery is INCREDIBLY time consuming and lot more detail driven than I ever thought. Seriously, I have taken on a few skilled hobbies and have found a whole new respect for ceramic makers.
2. Glazing is by far one of the hardest to nail down, for me, because so many elements play a role into it and having no control of the kiln can really result in a dice roll. I also wasnāt too inspired by the basic Amaco glazes we had. We had no Amaco celadons, which was I was hoping to play with. Only potters choice for glazes and velvet for under glazes.
3. Figuring out the exact time clay needs to dry and worked next can be an absolute struggle when you only meet for class twice a week. That stint from Thursday till Tuesday of the next week was the hardest to plan out.
Really though thereās so many things I learned about myself and ceramics by taking this class. While my teacher wasnāt an expert on pot building (sheās more of a free-form sculptural ceramicist), she was amazing at supporting and giving ideas and insight.
As for where I go from here on my ceramics journey? Iām not sure. As of right now, I have 0 room to work with clay or for a kiln, so all future work, until I move, would have to be at a studio. So we will see what happens there.
Until then, Iāll appreciate the few pots I have made that I can use and canāt wait to buy more and support more individual potters. Seriously though, you guys put in so much work to hone and master your craft and I think very few people actually understand the work it takes to make a beautiful bonsai pot. So thank you!!
Hereās the pot:
View attachment 487589
I was actually able to get two done in that 2 hour course, hereās the second:
The glazes they had available at that studio were actually pretty damn nice. Iāll have to be going back at some point as they offer studio rental time.
Fast forward to the start of this year. Having been fully into the bonsai hobby, I started wanting to do an actual ceramics class. I decided to sign up for a Ceramics I class at the local community college.
We started with pinch pots and building with coils and then moved to the wheel. I must say my second experience using the wheel was a lot more of a learning curve. I struggled for a bit and at one point had class 5 times in a row not making a single thing, but I pushed through it and started somewhat figuring out my groove. My biggest regret during the class wasnāt taking more time to learn slab pot building. However, it was still a class I was being graded on, so unfortunately I could spend the entire time making pots. A good portion of my time was spent building the projects we were assigned and in my downtime I worked on making pots.
I made a total of 6 pots that were usable. 3 arenāt much, either their floor is too thin or theyāre a wonky shape.
These were my best pots I did:
The footless doodoo pot -
This next one I liked a lot, especially the glaze, but I just wish I had brought up and out the walls more as itās a bit chunky.
My favorite pot that I made in regards to shape, form, and evenness. I expected the glaze to have more green in it, but itās still really unique in the light.
Things I learned:
1. Pottery is INCREDIBLY time consuming and lot more detail driven than I ever thought. Seriously, I have taken on a few skilled hobbies and have found a whole new respect for ceramic makers.
2. Glazing is by far one of the hardest to nail down, for me, because so many elements play a role into it and having no control of the kiln can really result in a dice roll. I also wasnāt too inspired by the basic Amaco glazes we had. We had no Amaco celadons, which was I was hoping to play with. Only potters choice for glazes and velvet for under glazes.
3. Figuring out the exact time clay needs to dry and worked next can be an absolute struggle when you only meet for class twice a week. That stint from Thursday till Tuesday of the next week was the hardest to plan out.
Really though thereās so many things I learned about myself and ceramics by taking this class. While my teacher wasnāt an expert on pot building (sheās more of a free-form sculptural ceramicist), she was amazing at supporting and giving ideas and insight.
As for where I go from here on my ceramics journey? Iām not sure. As of right now, I have 0 room to work with clay or for a kiln, so all future work, until I move, would have to be at a studio. So we will see what happens there.
Until then, Iāll appreciate the few pots I have made that I can use and canāt wait to buy more and support more individual potters. Seriously though, you guys put in so much work to hone and master your craft and I think very few people actually understand the work it takes to make a beautiful bonsai pot. So thank you!!
Attachments
Last edited:
I totally understand and relate to your challenges. I have had quite a few hobbies in my life and I will say that ceramics is exceptionally challenging! I guess thatās part of what makes it fun and keeps us coming back 
