Differences In Ceramics

We all create artwork differently and that's ok! Let's celebrate our differences in ceramics!

No "wrong" way...There is a longstanding notion in the world of ceramic art about doing things "the right way." This can include debates like:

-Formal Education vs. Self-Taught

-Tools vs. No Tools

-Wheel vs. Handbuilding

-Solid Clay vs. Slipcasting

-Mixing Glazes vs. Commercial

-Electric Firing vs. Wood

-Etc.

The list can go on forever! And it can make our head spin as it does. "Either-or" philosophies can bring serious division and damage to the world of making. I have personally seen artists discouraged and embarrassed when called out on their choices in making and it upsets me greatly. These narrow boxes are a sure-fire way to stifle creativity and discourage artists. There is simply no place in the world of art for this.

So which ones are better? As you may have guessed by now, my answer is: NONE OF THE ABOVE. The freedom of artistic expression lies in our own individual experience. While I completely believe there is absolute truth in our universe, I do not agree that there is just one way to make art. Each person must venture down the happy path of finding what works best for them. While some may sneer at certain tools or studio practices, others may find that those are the very things that bring them joy or the ability to make. No two people are alike and we would be seriously remiss to assume that everyone has the same artistic needs, physical or cognitive. Phew...now let's take a deep breath while you help me off of my soapbox.

We know better, now let's do better. As the world of pottery expands with social media and the ability to glimpse into many people's workflows, we see differences in studio needs come to light. These differences are so vast! I will just list a few here:

• Physical Limitations : Repetitive Strain Injuries like carpal tunnel, shoulder, wrist, elbow, back, vision, hearing, joints, genetic, etc.

• Cognitive Limitations: Neurodiversity — ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, stroke, brain injury and motor-control challenges, dementia and aging-related cognitive decline, mental-health pressures for small-business makers: burnout, anxiety, depression, etc.

• Skill Limitations: Even after much practice, study and trying, people can sometimes plateau at a certain skill level. This is a reality that many do not talk about and it should be addressed as fairly as possible. Using different studio tools or processes to further your skill level is never anything to be ashamed of or chastised for. Persevering is an admirable quality always.

Let me encourage you! This is a brief look into a topic that deserves so much time and attention. I want to encourage you to continue making and continue using the tools that help you make pottery that you're proud of! As a tools company, it is Our Mission "To Serve The Pottery Community Well" and to make tools that help you make work that you love! We do not apologize for that, nor should you. So let's keep fighting the good fight and educating those who feel the need to tear people down, instead of building people up. We are all different! That's what makes this world so lovely and so interesting!

BONUS: Here are some examples of pottery artists who do things their way!

• Don Katz — “The Blind Potter” — Instagram @blindpotter, website: theblindpotter.com. Don became blind after bacterial meningitis and makes functional ceramics by feel; he teaches and sells work online. Instagram+1

• Kelvin Crosby — “DeafBlind Potter” — Instagram @deafblindpotter, website: deafblindpotter.com. Kelvin lives with Usher Syndrome (hearing + vision loss), uses touch and adapted techniques, and runs an outreach/education practice. Instagram

• Wheely Good Ceramics — Olivia & Emily Kilby — Instagram/ TikTok/website @wheelygoodceramics. Emily paints using a mouth-held brush after paralysis; Olivia throws the forms — a collaborative adaptive studio that has grown large online. (Feature in PEOPLE and social coverage.) Wheely Good Ceramics+1

• Troy Drake — “TroyMadeIt” — Instagram @troymadeit. Troy is a potter with Down syndrome who makes and teaches ceramics and sells work with community support. Instagram+1

• Anna Wagner — ceramic artist who has spoken publicly about creating work that engages with ADHD; Instagram @alwagnergallery (artist profile & interviews). Her work demonstrates how neurodivergent experience can be central to practice. Instagram+1

(There are many more — the pottery community includes people adapting to blindness, deafness, mobility impairment, chronic pain, neurodiversity, and more.)

Happy Making my friends...whatever that looks like to you!

Your Friend, Alex