Last summer Bracken told me that he wanted to take a pottery class. He had never asked us to take a class before. I started looking around for one, and am so grateful for the way it all came together. We’ve been taking a class together since then, and it’s amazing what a great fit it has been for us. I had no idea how much we would both love it. Now we’ve been getting Jeff’s hands in some clay too, and our whole family is becoming crazy about clay.
I had taken some pottery classes when I was a kid, and in high school. (Throughout my school years, I took every art class I could and the classes that involved singing or art were always my favorites. On second thought, I really liked my writing classes too.) When I went to that first pottery class with Bracken last summer, it dawned on me that I hadn’t played with any clay since I was 18. It wasn’t until feeling the clay in my hands again (I’m in my thirties now, 18 feels like forever ago even though it wasn’t really) that I realized how much I had missed it. Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it much since then, but having clay back in my life felt like being reunited with an old friend.
Since we started our class together, we’ve gone and played with clay as our schedule allowed (another thing about the class that has made it the perfect fit for us), sometimes weekly, sometimes twice a month. We’ve had so much fun making things. I’ve noticed that it feels very grounding to work with clay, and it seems to have a calming and soothing affect on us.
Recently Bracken started playing around on the wheel. He took to it naturally and enjoys it so much he could happily sit there for hours. It’s amazing to see our boy who is so full of energy (I don’t know many people who can keep up with him for long periods of time, he takes after his dad in that way) suddenly still, and completely mesmerized by the clay and the wheel. Sometimes drawing has that calming affect on him too, but I’ve noticed it even more so with the clay.
I’m so very grateful we found this. I didn’t know how much we needed it, all of us.
This is wonderful. Art is great for kids and adults too. My son occasionally goes to an art studio to paint (When our budget allows it) and to see amazing things just come out of him makes me so happy.
Glad that you and bracken have found something so calming and wonderful for your family.
How wonderful ! When my daughter was quite young ( around 7) she also wanted to take pottery classes. We investigated and were told it was a not for young children…never pursued it further and found many other creative activities. She is now a working artist, but not in pottery. You are so right to encourage and facilitate creativity. I love reading your story and following Bracken’s journey.