The success of my pottery studio and classes is largely due to the wonderful students I’ve met over the years who have come to love clay in their own way. I thought it would be a good idea to let my students express what they’ve learnt about ceramics and what they get out of pottery class.
This will be a regular series of blog posts and we’ll focus on a different student each time.
Here is a little about Anabela Da Costa’s journey to my studio and about her relationship with clay in her own words….
I was born into a typical traditional Portuguese home and I was surrounded by ceramics. Having said that, these ceramics were part of our daily jokes. The big white ceramic greyhound dog that watched over us, from the corner of our lounge, and those scary-looking figurines with the elaborate paint techniques that were given to us for our trousseau. I was fascinated by these and always wondered how they came about and who would want to make these.
Being a stay at home mom comes with its blessings, but my emotional wellbeing? Well, that was another issue. At the time I was staying in Nigel and every 3 months a local town would hold a Night Market. At a particular night market outing, I came across this “tannie” who had made these incredible little pots. I was immediately drawn to them and asked about them. She was the one who told me that if I wanted to learn about pottery, there was an incredibly talented lady in Benoni who offered lessons. That was in 2010.
From the moment I entered Sandy's Pottery Studio, my soul felt calm and happy.
I have only done handwork; as I feel that I can do so many different techniques and feed my creative side. My favourite medium is porcelain - I love the pure whiteness, its delicacy and its translucency.
I've made figurines, which I fondly named “Kagel Kakies”, but I love making them.
People have this notion that you just make something quickly with clay or that you can master ceramics in one lesson! But, to me, Pottery is working precisely and patiently and then waiting in anticipation to see the end results.
The best part (besides the feel of the clay) are the people who attend the classes. These ladies have given me so much wisdom, love, kindness, encouragement, tons of laughter and wonderful friendships.
Pottery is my soul food and I'm so thankful that I am able to do this every week.
Looking for "soul food"? Why not try out a Pottery Class?
