During the pandemic, like many people, I craved connection and creative expression to get me out of the house and out of my comfort zone. I desperately needed to shake things up.
While exploring what was available in the area, I saw that our local community center had begun to offer adult pottery classes. It was something I’d never done, but had always been curious. When I’d watch artists throw on the wheel, I could easily envision the movements one’s arms and hands would need to take. I decided to give it a try, and was immediately hooked. A graphic artist by trade, I was able to draw on some of my prior creative adventures–sewing, metalsmithing, painting, printing, layout and design. Soon I was hand building and trying to throw on the wheel. It was slow and steady progress. I devoured any information I could find on techniques and skill-building.
When my mentor suggested that I join her for the local end-of-summer art show, I felt so surprised and proud. Looking back, the work was very elementary, but it was a good start. In the Fall of 2021 I took the plunge and purchased my first (pre-loved) wheel, a Brent B that was nearly as old as me. The seller was a beloved and well-respected local ceramic artist who was closing the studio she and her husband shared for many years together. I promised her I would take good care of her wheel and would use its history as an inspiration. I now had the opportunity to hone my skills from the home studio I was slowly creating.
Over time, I found myself assisting my mentor in class, supporting other new potters in their journeys. Six months later, I found myself with the opportunity to begin teaching my own class, and I haven’t looked back. I now teach the same beginner class where I’d started just over a year earlier. This past summer, I added a second (also pre-loved) Shimpo wheel, slightly newer than my Brent.
And in the last three years, I’ve discovered a deep love of learning, teaching and sharing ceramics skills and techniques to other curious potters while developing my own capabilities and my own style.
Vendor Biography
During the pandemic, like many people, I craved connection and creative expression to get me out of the house and out of my comfort zone. I desperately needed to shake things up.
While exploring what was available in the area, I saw that our local community center had begun to offer adult pottery classes. It was something I’d never done, but had always been curious. When I’d watch artists throw on the wheel, I could easily envision the movements one’s arms and hands would need to take. I decided to give it a try, and was immediately hooked. A graphic artist by trade, I was able to draw on some of my prior creative adventures–sewing, metalsmithing, painting, printing, layout and design. Soon I was hand building and trying to throw on the wheel. It was slow and steady progress. I devoured any information I could find on techniques and skill-building.
When my mentor suggested that I join her for the local end-of-summer art show, I felt so surprised and proud. Looking back, the work was very elementary, but it was a good start. In the Fall of 2021 I took the plunge and purchased my first (pre-loved) wheel, a Brent B that was nearly as old as me. The seller was a beloved and well-respected local ceramic artist who was closing the studio she and her husband shared for many years together. I promised her I would take good care of her wheel and would use its history as an inspiration. I now had the opportunity to hone my skills from the home studio I was slowly creating.
Over time, I found myself assisting my mentor in class, supporting other new potters in their journeys. Six months later, I found myself with the opportunity to begin teaching my own class, and I haven’t looked back. I now teach the same beginner class where I’d started just over a year earlier. This past summer, I added a second (also pre-loved) Shimpo wheel, slightly newer than my Brent.
And in the last three years, I’ve discovered a deep love of learning, teaching and sharing ceramics skills and techniques to other curious potters while developing my own capabilities and my own style.
With Gratitude,
Sandra Madrid
Self Centered Ceramics