Monday 10th July, 2023

10 July 2023
julian
No comments
Categories: Red-Hot Kiln

Flexibility and adaptability are crucial qualities for anyone taking the journey as a ceramic artist.

While having a vision of the desired outcome is important, it’s equally important to be open to unexpected results and embrace the possibilities that arise from the creative process.

Ceramics is a medium that can be unpredictable due to the various factors involved, such as the clay body, glazes, firing techniques, and kiln conditions. Embracing the inherent variability of the medium allows one to explore new directions, discover unique textures or colours, and even stumble upon happy accidents that lead to unexpected beauty.

When the ceramic artist has pottery for sale, a buyer may never know if their purchase had a planned outcome or was a disappointment for them.

Being open to paradigm shifts and adapting to different results is not only essential for personal artistic growth but also for pushing the boundaries of the field. As I’m now teaching ceramics, I’m hesitant about where and when I outline this to students. Some of the most groundbreaking techniques and styles in ceramics have emerged from artists embracing unexpected outcomes and using them as a source of inspiration.

Remember that creativity often thrives in the space between intention and outcome. So, while it’s important to have a vision, it’s equally important to be open to the journey and to allow the clay, glazes, and firing processes to influence and shape the final result.

Here at Wilma J Design ceramic studio in Kihikihi, I wanted to have small groups who have a burning desire to create something for themselves with simple techniques, without the details of deeper technical knowledge, some of which may be picked up along the way, but not an essential for a successful outcome. Being a pottery teacher in one’s own studio in New Zealand is a great way to be flexible without the constraints of a government-set curriculum.

And the final result is not final. It is often one-stepping stone to further development, and while initially disappointment can overtake one’s soul, it’s important to remember, tomorrow is another opportunity to build on the foundation and improve and refine.

Wilma

  • I have done a clay workshop WITH wilma in the past. She is clear in what we were going to achieve with good instructions. I enjoyed the experience as the environment was nice. Wilma was very good at offering advice to help me achieve a good outcome for my clay pieces.

    Lyn Scott

  • I attended one workshop to make Humperdink Houses and another for poppies. I loved them both. Previously I had done some claywork. Wilma was well prepared for each class, ensuring all participants had success. Creativity/individuality was encouraged and supported by Wilma. I left each class feeling it was my work, as Wilma answered my endless questions but did not complete my work for me. Once glazed, the pieces took on their own personality. I have proudly included all my pieces in my garden, and am proud to show others what I have made.

    Judith Kilgour

  • Never having done any claywork before I opted for a themed workshop, so I had some expectation. The instructions suited me and Wilma was supportive in encouraging me with some suggestions how to enhance my project. I loved how my pieces turned out.

    Carol Biggar

  • I had done some clay art work a long time ago, and knew what to expect re: process, but a model horse challenge was a nice surprise. Wilma is a patient and encouraging teacher, with great advice. It was definitely a relaxing environment, the most relaxed I had felt all week! My horse started to look a little stumpy and Wilma saved the day with some leg extensions. I was able to design my project as I saw fit and was pleased and surprised with what I could make in less than 2 hours. I would you do this again, and recommend it to others. It was a fantastic morning and keen to do more!

    Isaac Whatnall

    Participant in the 'Make a Horse' challenge, iCLAW
  • Never having touched clay before, it was all very new to me. Wilma's instructions were just right. She had her work cut out on the day, but there was great encouragement from her, as well as the other participants. The introduction was good and then help along the way. I was assisted to develop my ideas for my truly unique piece. Although Wilma showed us an example of what we would be making, we were left to develop something individual to ourselves. My result was by no means a masterpiece, I was pleased I was able to complete something close to resembling a horse, (donkey). I would do it again and recommend it. It isn’t so much about making something of art gallery standard, it was the giving it a go and sharing in an experience that was the most beneficial. I appreciate the opportunity to have been able to give this a go, and thank Wilma for her time and patience in helping me on the day.

    Graham Roberts

    Participant in the 'Make a Horse' challenge, Investment Adviser at Craigs Investment Partners
  • I hadn't done any clay work before, and didn't know what to expect. Wilma's instructions were perfect, it was an encouraging environment, and along the way receiving some valuable gems of wisdom! Im surprised... it actually looked like a horse...of sorts! This is a great creative space to be in - Go For Gold! It was a Brilliant event and I am really glad I got involved.

    Wayne Cooney

    Participating in the 'Make a Horse' challenge, Wise Cover & Advice. (Insurance Adviser)
  • I had never done any clay work before, so didn't know what to expect. Wilma's instruction were perfect and suited what I was doing. It was a great environment, lots of laughs and a great energy. Wilma keyed into my project and gave me some awesome suggestions to make it work. She was open to any ideas that arose, and I was pleased with my final result. I would recommend it to anyone, and would love to do this again.

    Fiona Stephen

    Participant in the 'Make a Horse' challenge, NZ Business Connect