Ancient art is creative and relaxing.

Creating a vessel from clay is an ancient art.


Pottery soothes the soul. Devotees of the craft-turned-hobby say coaxing a chunk of clay into a bowl or vase makes the world go away. They feel creative and relaxed as they work the potter's wheel.

Since the beginning potters have prospected raw earth and used it
to create priceless vessels that have withstood the test of time.

Each step in the overall pottery process is an art in it's self.  
The glazing process and firing techniques affect the 
finished piece as much as the throwing process. 

It appears to be fulfilling for men and women of all ages. Spending an evening at the studio is far different from a day at work or an evening at home. It's not only interacting with the basic materials of Earth, it's interacting with like-minded people that increases its charm.

Some people love to work the potter's wheel. Others have another option at paint-your-own pottery studios. At these places, they can choose pre-molded pieces like mugs, plates, bowls, frogs, and bears, to name just a few options. As they paint, they sip wine  and visit with their fellow artists.

Most studios offer classes in art itself. Students learn how to paint flowers and designs and to anticipate how their colors will change when they are glazed and fired. When  glaze is added, it turns into a clear shellac as the piece is fired, intensifying the colors beneath and making them look almost like glass. 

A history professior, interviewed by Knight Ridder News Service, says the hobby relieves work stress. An accountant says it puts the brain in neutral so you can relax. Another man says it lets him escape from the world. A young mother leaves her baby at grandma's house for her only break of the week. 

Is pottery really, as some artisans say, nature's Valium? For some people it is. A waiter says that when he has a bad day at work, he can handle it. He knows that he's going to the studio tomorrow.

Pottery is a very ancient and respected art form.

Today clay artist's are still creating the history of pottery.