First Time Potter

I finally did something I said I was going to do. I signed up for class and actually went even though Hurricane Ike felt like he invaded Chicago this weekend. I signed up for the “First Time Potter” class at a local art center, which involves…well, pottery. I was so excited on Sunday, I got up early, walked Bailey in the rain, stopped at Peet’s for some coffee on my way and found myself at the art studio right on time.

I walked into the art center, dripping wet and soggy, shook out my umbrella and quickly found reception. I got my “clay ticket” and sought out my classroom. I had visions of a cute little room with pottery wheels and already made pots lining the walls. I was a little taken aback, because the whole room, covered in dust colored clay, was devoid of color. I found a seat and sat down with about 8 other women. We all kind of looked around and sized each other up, and no one said a word to each other. It felt like we were waiting to take a final exam in college, and everyone was anxious and wanted to get on with the class.

Our instructor finally walked in and with a combination of strange, funny and awkwardness, put us all at ease. He went around the room so we could introduce ourselves. I was feeling pretty confident with my pottery making abilities because I consider myself a fairly creative person and love to do crafts. After we went around the room to introduce ourselves, I started to feel like a pottery loser. About 80% of the room had a degree in pottery, or some sort of art related major. I majored in English. I have done nothing creative (except for knitting) in about 15 years. Two friends who sat together introduced themselves and one was a lawyer and the other, a consultant. I was wondering how I could change seats and befriend them because I know that lawyer is not doing very much pottery in her free time. Well, I joined this class to perhaps meet some new people, and let my creative juices flow. It didn’t matter if I was going to be the worst potter. I’m a strong, successful women, surely I can make some pots!

Something else magical happened though. I looked up at the clock 2 ½ hours later and realized I had gotten lost in myself. I thought about absolutely nothing for over 2 hours, but molding that clay. I took a ball of the wet clay and molded it in my hands until I created a bowl, an open box and a little knick knack. I don’t really care if these come out of the kiln and look ridiculous. It was nice to escape life for a few hours. I didn’t think about the dog, our messy condo, being hungry, work, family, IVF, babies. I just molded clay.

I haven't put time aside for myself where there was no tv, no cell phone, no internet or email, not a even a book to read. My mind just stopped, for the first time in a long time.