I started a pottery class at the West Point Grey Community Centre three weeks ago. I went there remembering trying the wheel when I was a kid and making something good enough that it sat on top of my mother’s fridge for a number of years to hold pennies, pins, missing buttons, and other odd bits.

What was forgotten was that we likely did not have to center our own clay. After the first class three weeks ago, I realized there was no way my 10-year-old self could have done that. The first class was really discouraging. Clay looked and moved like silk under the teacher’s hands. My clay was trying to run away from me. I left thinking that I’ll have to forget about increasing the already too large mug collection at the Kommune this summer.

During the second class my centering started to get better. I felt more at ease bringing clay up into a cone, and then bringing it back down with pressure from the heel of my left hand. I realized that this step isn’t about pushing straight down, but pushing towards the center from the side as well. Still, once centered I worked at bringing the clay up into a simple cylinder and seven out of eight times, clay gathered at the top would soon fall into the middle that was tapered by too much pressure and hastiness. My last try was a little better but still not good enough to make something from it.

I was a little less enthusiastic about going this morning but given that it’s a great way to start a Saturday and the studio is downhill from my house, I got there. Brought out my lumps of used clay, shaped into arches to help them dry faster for re-use, and got started. To my surprise, things came more naturally and I felt more careful and confident. Then, lo and behold, I made something that actually sort of…worked!!!

The above picture was taken in a moment of glory at the wheel so it’s a pretty happy picture. The piece didn’t end up that great. It’s sort of a bowl but the bottom is quite thin - I might cut it out and make a small planter. But I think it gave me a steadier and more directed hand and my next three throws turned into things as well. From left to right below: my first bowl, my third piece which will probably become a coffee mug, my fourth and last piece, a salad bowl, and my second piece that could be a cup, but I think it will also be a small planter for my desk at work.

I had been worried that I wouldn’t get to try trimming and glazing. Now I can and am quite please : ) Gotta go buy some limes!