Make pottery

“After slamming my clay on the wheel (perhaps too hard), I tried to remember what Megan said about using my whole body strength to keep the clay centre as the wheel spins. It was tough! [...] I managed to get my clay into a (very phallic looking) cylinder, and then it fell off-kilter. Once your clay falls off centre, it’s pretty much shot! I ended up with more than a few phallic shapes, and the woman next to me suggested it was a sign I had something on my mind! We laughed as I placed my sad, droopy objects into the “used clay” pile.”

“After 4-5 failed attempts at trying to make a shape, I felt defeated. With only 20 minutes left in the workshop, I was scared that perhaps I would go home without anything to put in the kiln [...] I finally managed to keep it centred as Brooke guided me. Just as we were instructed to pack up, I created a little shape! What? I didn’t care. I made something!”

“As the instructor gave a thorough demonstration of how to make your ball of clay the right shape, when to add water, how to work the wheel and go about shaping the clay to your liking, I began picturing the perfectly smooth and symmetrical saucers, vases and bowls I would create with ease. Let's just say I was humbled about 30 seconds in. Keeping the clay from becoming a collapsing mess is harder than it looks. [...] I quickly realized that I would have to lower my expectations from a work of art to literally anything with structural integrity. The instructor kindly called my single final product — made on my third attempt — a candleholder.”