Art - a balm to unify

 Art, in its essence, has always been a balm for our wounds and a bridge that joins us in times of separation. Words from the current issue of Studio Potter October 2024 edition.

As I see it art is another form of expression, where words or sounds are not necessary. Whatever touches us deeply, intuitively, bringing us back home to me is art. Thats why nature is the most creative expression of art. In all this we tend to forget that humans, us are also the expression of nature. Not separate from the air we breathe, the water and earth, the space.

Such considerations have been informing this year clay explorations. I seem to gravitate more towards simple hand pinched forms. Using slips on leather hard pots. And firing with clear glazes without really knowing how the results could be. 

Life has also brought me to teach claywork in a school, with kids from 7 to 14 years. Its been a few roller coaster  months. Just when I feel this is fun the next day is total craziness. People ask me if Im enjoying teaching but how on earth can i possibly answer this. There is no thinking about it to decide if its fun or not. Its just whats happening, days unfold. Cannot be generalised. 

Each kid expresses something in clay. How can I say its good or not. Here we are again on that same Art topic!!