How to Create Your Own Moment of Joy in Clay 8/12/25
There’s a certain magic that happens within that moment your hands meet clay. It’s cool, soft, and full of possibility — a humble lump that holds within it cups, bowls, sculptures, or something entirely new that hasn’t been dreamed of yet.
The first time at the pottery wheel or worktable can be more than just a new hobby — it’s a gateway to joy.
Falling into Flow: As your hands start shaping the clay, time has a way of disappearing. You find yourself concentrating on the gentle pressure of your fingers, or the spin of the wheel. This is the “flow state” — that sweet spot where the rest of the world fades, your mind stops its chatter, and you’re fully present in the moment. It’s here that your brain releases dopamine, giving you that natural high of pure engagement.
Discovering Yourself in the Clay: Every curve, every little wobble, every perfectly imperfect shape carries your signature. When you step back and see your creation — whether it’s a mug with a handle that makes you smile or a bowl that leans just a little to the left — you see you in it. That self-expression is a quiet but powerful kind of joy.
Making Meaning with Your Hands: Pottery isn’t just about making things — it’s about making meaning. A simple cup becomes the one you’ll use for your morning tea ritual. A bowl might hold fresh fruit from the farmer’s market. The object carries your time, your attention, and your care. That connection transforms a lump of clay into something that matters.
Returning to Playfulness: Trying pottery for the first time can feel like being a kid again — messy, curious, and willing to experiment. There’s freedom in realizing it doesn’t have to be perfect. Sometimes, the wonkiest pieces are the ones that make you laugh every time you see them.
Finding Joy in Community: At ClayArt Pottery West you’re surrounded by people in the same boat — people of all skill levels making glorious messes and small triumphs together. You swap tips, admire each other’s work. That shared creative space makes the joy multiply.
In the end, trying pottery for the first time is about more than clay — it’s about reconnecting with yourself, your sense of wonder, and your capacity for joy. You may walk in thinking you’re making a mug, but you might just walk out having made something far more valuable: a moment of pure, unfiltered happiness.
A Lovely Thank You Note From our 2025 Arcadia High Intern. Posted Aug 11, 2025
To: Emilie and the ClayArt Pottery West family,
Thank you too much for everything you and the community taught me. I got to learn more about the people around me and had the chance to meet a variety of kind individuals. Everyone had their own story and reason for being at the studio, and listening to them was so interesting. On top of that, the whole Clay Art Pottery West family was so welcoming and helpful throughout my internship.
It was always refreshing to head to the studio whether it was in the morning or after a sweaty tennis practice to listen to jazz while cleaning, assisting members, or making my own pottery creations. Through the internship, I became more aware of my surroundings, developed the habit of doing chores as part of a routine, and most importantly, learned how to communicate with people of different ages. I also found myself becoming more patient and understanding. I really appreciated being able to lend a hand whenever it was needed.
Thank you again, JM
P.S. from Emilie: We are so grateful for J's help. Many thanks to Project Talent Launch of Arcadia, CA who provided us with this wonderful opportunity to have an intern. J did so much for our studio and we all wish her a wonderful school year 2025-26. Many Thanks to PTL and JM
Sculpture’s Emerging Status in the Art World AI posted on October 6, 2024
What do I wonder about as I see my art assembled around me as I’m feeling my own personal story? Today I have an art to-do list that includes starting an alligator for my animal totem and hosing down a few dusty animal sculptures in the yard and repairing a needy crack. But on this foggy afternoon I’m on a train called the Pacific Surfliner taking in glimpses of the ocean as I come back from a little vacation with Douglass to San Diego. So I start to wonder what role might my work play in the currently happening world of contemporary art? Yesterday We took in the I tear my eyes away from the foggy ocean waves and beach cliffs and cute little houses. I open my phone to seek out what, for me is a whole new world of fun because I wonder about stuff. I click till I find a tiny meta ai query field. I type: ceramic sculpture’s emerging role in the realm of contemporary art”. Send.
Ceramic sculpture is thriving within contemporary art, with artists pushing the boundaries of this ancient medium to explore new themes, techniques, and forms. The art world has witnessed a resurgence of interest in ceramics since 2014, with prominent exhibitions and art fairs showcasing the works of ceramic artists. This renewed attention has led to a proliferation of diverse styles and approaches, from functional vessels to explosive sculptures……
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Wedging Your Way To Easier Centering Posted on June 29, 2024 recorded session with Zac Hould, edited by Emilie Parker
Centering is hard to master. So to make centering a little bit easier start with wedging. That’s probably going be one of the most helpful things for setting the stage for easier Centering. Wedging distributes moisture evenly throughout your clay. This is covering 3 useful types of wedging and you can use any combination of the types. They are slice-and-slam wedging, rams-head, and spiral…
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