Online vs. In-Person Workshops
The Benefits of Attending In-Person Pottery Workshops
“Throwing Bigger Pots”
Mark shaping a 22 lb vase created from 4 smaller sections of clay
Joey and I recently attended a workshop in Asheville, NC, led by Sara Roland, who owns “The Village Potters.” The workshop focused on the techniques for "Throwing Bigger Pots," offering us valuable insights on working with larger amounts of clay and effectively combining smaller sections to create impressive, larger pots. Sara, an accomplished potter, has had a successful career in pottery and generously shares her experience through various workshops at her studio. She acknowledges that her success is largely attributed to the support and collaboration of multiple mentors throughout her career.
In a world where online learning has become increasingly popular, there is something uniquely valuable about attending in-person workshops and classes—especially for a hands-on craft like pottery. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced potter, participating in these physical gatherings offers benefits beyond basic skills acquisition.
I make it a point to attend at least one (or more) in-person workshop or class every year as a part of my commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. Being a type “A” personality, I’m always striving for proficiency and mastery of my craft.
Moon Jar, with slip
10 lbs - 12” tall
thrown in two sections of 6 lbs and 4 lbs
In my opinion, these are some of the key advantages of attending in-person pottery workshops and classes:
1. Hands-On Learning Experience
Learning pottery is a complex art form that requires a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and tools. While online tutorials can provide valuable guidance, the hands-on experience gained in a physical classroom or studio setting is unparalleled. In-person workshops allow aspiring potters to intimately connect with the clay, explore various tools, and learn the finer points of wheel-throwing or hand-building under the expert guidance of an instructor. This tangible one-on-one experience plays a crucial role in mastering the craft of pottery.
2. Immediate Feedback and Personalized Instruction
In-person classes offer the advantage of receiving immediate feedback from instructors. If you’re having trouble with a particular technique, your instructor can observe your work and provide personalized advice immediately. This instant guidance helps you address mistakes promptly and avoid developing bad habits, improving your skills and advancing your skillset more rapidly than if you were trying to figure things out on your own through trial and error.
Sara demos stacking clay to make centering large amounts easier
3. Motivation from a Creative Community
Participating in a pottery workshop is more than simply gaining skills; it’s about becoming part of a vibrant, creative community. Collaborating with fellow artists can be incredibly inspiring. You’ll have the opportunity to observe different approaches, share ideas, and learn from each other’s triumphs and obstacles. The sense of camaraderie and mutual love for pottery can serve as a strong motivator, spurring you to expand your limits and explore new possibilities.
4. Access to Professional-Grade Tools and Materials
Pottery necessitates a diverse range of tools and materials, some of which may be costly or hard to come by. In-person workshops typically offer access to a selection of high-quality clay, professional-grade equipment, as well as various glazes and tools. This access enables you to explore different techniques and materials without requiring a substantial initial investment. Additionally, it allows you to determine which tools and supplies suit you best before making any purchases.
Celebrate your Successes!
5. Structured Learning and Skill Development
Structured classes provide a clear path to skill development, while self-directed learning can have a steep learning curve. In-person workshops are designed to build your abilities step by step, starting with foundational techniques and gradually introducing more advanced concepts. This structured approach ensures that you develop a robust skill set and understand the principles behind your work, setting you up for long-term success in pottery.
6. Opportunities for Showcasing and Critiquing Work
The culmination of many traditional pottery classes involves a showcase or critique session. This is a valuable opportunity for students to present their work to the class and receive constructive feedback from instructors and peers. These sessions offer a platform to celebrate the progress made by the students and play a crucial role in boosting their confidence and honing their ability to assess their work critically.
Show & Tell
Participating in events that allow you to showcase your work can be an invaluable experience for any artist or creator.
Constructive criticism can help refine your techniques and inspire new ideas, while positive reinforcement can boost your confidence and encourage you to continue experimenting in your work.
7. Mindful and Therapeutic Experience
Pottery has often been described as a truly meditative and therapeutic activity. The rhythmic motion of wheel-throwing, the dedicated focus required for hand-building, and the immense satisfaction of creating something tangible all come together to bring a profound sense of mindfulness. When you attend in-person classes, you can truly immerse yourself in the creative process, away from the many distractions of daily life. This dedicated time can help alleviate stress, enhance your mental well-being, and leave you feeling revitalized and accomplished.
Remember, it’s your journey…
Challenge yourself daily…
Take a risk and put yourself out there…
Have Fun!
In conclusion, I genuinely believe that no matter how long you’ve been doing something or how accomplished you are, there’s always something new to learn if you’re open to the experience. As an artist, I’ve developed techniques and styles that reflect my journey, and I’ve found that as my relationships with other artists develop, I become more open to sharing my personal skillset. In my experience, in-person pottery workshops and classes offer many benefits beyond improving technical skills. They provide an immersive learning environment where I can receive personalized instruction, connect with a vibrant creative community, and experience the pure joy of working with my hands. Whether you’re looking to enhance your pottery skills or explore a brand new creative outlet, I highly recommend attending a workshop—it’s a choice that can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Take the next step and immerse yourself in a local pottery class or journey to an artist you admire who offers a hands-on experience. It’s a transformative opportunity that will shape your artistic journey in ways you never thought possible.
