Here are 5 reasons you might be ‘umming’ or ‘ahhing about taking a pottery class, or making pottery.
Five reasons to sign up for pottery classes.
1. Pottery classes can be fun!
If you’re going to spend your down-time on something new, this is the most important thing. It has to be enjoyable! By creating practical and functional pottery by hand, you can go back to your primitive instincts. It’s a great feeling to feel the clay between your fingers. This brings you back to your childhood, when playing in the mud was a way of life. It’s no wonder that all the stars are joining the fun!
You can also have fun making what you want and it doesn’t need to be perfect. Making pottery by hand is all about celebrating imperfections. There’s no need to worry about making it right or being perfect. Let go of your inhibitions, and have fun with your pottery class
2. You will meet like-minded, friendly people
A pottery class allows you to work alone or in a small group. Extroverts and introverts will enjoy making pottery together in a class. It’s similar to advanced potters working in a studio.
A pottery class is great for people who have a creative outlook and enjoy working with their hands. It’s also a great way to meet people from other parts of the world, or to make new friends if you just moved to a new area. Not only are they interested in making pottery, but many people enroll in classes to make new friends. It’s a great bonus to develop an addiction to pottery making. Students will often go out for coffee or a drink after class, making pottery a very social hobby.
3. Even if you’re not artistic, it’s an opportunity to be creative
Creativity can mean many things and take on different forms depending upon the individual. You don’t need to be a Picasso or a Valentino, just because you aren’t able to paint the Mona Lisa or create a masterpiece doesn’t mean that you’re not creative. It is often because we are not given the chance to exercise creativity or do activities that allow us to think creatively.
Creativity has many benefits for the mind. As we have discussed, pottery can improve mental health by helping you to reduce stress and manage emotions. Positive energy is also created by creativity. It encourages you to focus on what you love, rather than worrying about the day. Pottery also stimulates brain plasticity, which encourages communication between different brain parts. A connected brain is better at processing information faster and more efficiently. Creative acts, such as pottery making at a pottery class or at home with our pottery kits, can help you focus your mind. It has been likened to meditation because of its relaxing effect on the body and mind.
4. Allows you to change your mind
Myers-Brigg found that people who are constantly ‘on’ are more susceptible to high stress, mental exhaustion and burn-out. It is important to take a break from the grind and switch off completely.
You might do this by going for a run after work or setting a no-screen rule for the hour before bed. Even if you aren’t a runner, a pottery class can be a great way for you to switch off and limit screen-time. Once you have your hands on the clay, you won’t be able to check emails, take calls, or respond to messages. A pottery class is a great way to disconnect from the world for a few hours and reconnect with yourself.
5. To learn something new
No matter your age, learning is good for your brain. Learning the language of pottery making (throwing, for instance) keeps the mind active. It keeps the mind active and helps to open up new perspectives. It can be exciting, rewarding, and have therapeutic properties. You might discover a talent that you are truly gifted at, which could unlock your potential. Making pottery can give you a sense of purpose. If you create something useful for your home, you can feel proud that you made it. Even if your work isn’t a masterpiece, that feeling of accomplishment is good for your mental health.
Get out there and get your creativity flowing! Sign up for the pottery class that you have been contemplating. You may be surprised at what you can do and discover a new talent. Get in touch today to learn more about our pottery classes and pottery courses, or to join our membership.
