What Sustains You? …
I’ve never used porcelain clay before, and I’ve found it has a mind of its own. Everyone who knows anything at my pottery class said so, and many avoid it as a result. You make something one week, leave it to dry a little for the next week and it can completely change, slumping or tipping or curling – reverting back to a more natural state - perhaps it’s muscle memory? Anyway, my comfort zone is the more reliable stoneware seen below, but last week I started making some Christmas gifts out of porcelain as they will look so much better in the white clay, and I’ve left them to dry so I can tidy them up properly ready for their first firing. Obviously I can’t show you a picture yet as the surprise will be spoilt...!
The process can’t be speeded up or the object will simply not be right; shaping the clay into an object, letting much of the water dry out, first firing (or bisque firing), decorating or painting, then second firing and glazing all has to happen in order and with patience. Perhaps this is why I find the class so beneficial? Not being the most patient person, I’m forced to slow down, to wait, to trust the process, to accept that at any stage it may not work and I need to stop and start again. Especially with porcelain. My first job last week was to throw away a bell I’d tried to make with porcelain which had ended up looking like a caricature ghost. And I know that when I go back tonight some of what I spent time on last week will need to be left behind too.
With World Mental Health day this week, my thoughts turned to how we sustain ourselves to ensure we have the energy in the tank that’s needed, and the importance that pottery, or doing something creative has to sustaining my mental health. Doing something creative, anything, can be a great outlet and energy booster, and as half term approaches for many, sustaining ourselves for the darker winter half term is necessary. Many will feel drained by now as the August holiday feeling has well and truly evaporated.
I’ve had a really busy couple of weeks, and sustaining myself within them has been important. As well as the pottery, going to the theatre with a friend and putting the world to rights together has helped, and my regular walks are crucial too. I took the opportunity to walk some of the lanes near where I was staying in Bristol at the weekend, and they were beautiful, reminding me of my favourite Lily Piper painting ‘Muddy Lane’. It’s well known that time spent in nature boosts our wellbeing and grounds us.
On a walk in Bristol
So let’s not wait until we crash and need it to sustain ourselves. We can keep going for a while without much energy, but it isn’t sustainable. Let’s keep the tank filled up so we have the energy to draw on as we need it.
‘Muddy Lane’ by Lily Piper
Reflections:
What creative outlet(s) do you have?
How does the energy in your tank feel at the moment?
What one small thing could you do to further boost it?