Early this summer, the AGGV hosted a workshop series called Ceramics in the Courtyard. Participant and writer Danielle Pope reflects on the visceral experiences that effected her throughout this six-part ceramics event.

It was cutting the clay that got me.

Thin wire slicing through grey slab; a clean move dividing perfect segments.

When my hands held the cold material — thumbs pressing into pewter; heavy earth bending smooth with my imagination — electricity spread through my shoulders. It was, in a moment, arriving home.

Image Credit: Ceramics in the Courtyard participants shaping clay. 

I stumbled upon the Ceramics in the Courtyard series when my life needed grounding. Moving from one responsibility to the next, the idea represented pure play. I never expected the connection that would come from the clay, or the company.

Image Credit: Danielle Pope with her hands in the clay during the first of six Ceramics in the Courtyard classes.

For six weeks across early summer, a dozen women gathered at the Gallery to work with earth. Led by an instructor who could help others forge ideas the way a craftsperson cuts away just enough to let a work reveal itself, we all slowly emerged: soft, mutable and brave.

One evening, I shared a table with a new friend. For hours we passed back and forth tools, a spray bottle, sponges and personal details — I, a new parent; she, a new widower.“My sister is the real artist,” she told me.

“I still don’t know what I’m doing,” I echoed.

Image Credit: The finished products of the six week workshop in the early evening light.

And yet, in our hands, appeared small bowls, candleholders, soap dishes, a wind chime — each of us marveling at the next to arrive.

Weeks went by. We sanded, painted, glazed. The space filled with quiet admiration for our transforming works, growing more sure of themselves with each step. Or perhaps that was us.

Image Credit: Ceramics in the Courtyard group looking over their work in the AGGV’s beautiful courtyard garden this Summer.

And then, it was time to send them away.

Our final lesson took shape as each piece headed to the kiln: no sure outcome, but a test in the absolute power of letting go.

Image Credit: Ceramics in the Courtyard group seeing the results of their work after the clay had been glazed and fired.

 

Written by Ceramics in the Courtyard participant, Danielle Pope

 

Don’t miss the next opportunity to explore the art of ceramics in a setting that blends historical inspiration with modern creativity.  If you’d like to be notified the next time we have a workshop or learning event, reach out to Natalie Rollins at nrollins@aggv.ca, or join our mailing list:

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Feature Image: A lovely assortment of finished clay pieces after the final glazing and firing of six weeks of working with clay. All images in this article, courtesy of the AGGV.