In a continuation of our pottery student-focused blog series, today’s focus is on Heather Collin.
Here’s a little about Heather’s journey with clay in her own words.
My parents owned a pottery studio in Lake Ave, Benoni, called "Gone to Pot" in the late ‘70s. It was assumed that, because I showed some artistic skill, that this was what I was meant to do. I was sent to Johannesburg College of Art, to major in Ceramics from 1978 -1980. I, however, was of a different opinion and left in my 3rd year because I hated having to study from books - I am a hands-on kind of person. I had no desire to study the History of Art, nor the History and science of ceramics so, I pulled the plug on that.
I later tried going to someone with a studio on “the plots”, in Benoni, but it just didn’t happen for me. In November 2012, a friend introduced me to Sandy's Pottery Studio. I connected with Sandy immediately and felt like this was home or me. I've never looked back.
What I love about pottery class is that I just get to be. I have learned to (try) not have expectations of myself, to let things go and not be precious about "stuff". I attempt to let go of the drama that we all are faced with in some form or another.
Besides just enjoying the process of making something out of a lump of clay, or pummeling it, if I've brought some frustrations with me that morning, I get to spend 3 precious hours with the most inspiring people - each with their own stories and generosity of spirit and love. It is as if we truly are all connected, some in bigger ways than others but still, connected through clay, laughter and food.
Yes, tea time plays a big role as well because we all love to eat yummy stuff, don't we?
I have been self-employed for over 20 years now but it’s only since 2010 that I started my journey as a pattern writer for the beaded jewellery that I design. I sell my patterns online so, once I have a new design out, I get the opportunity to take a break and work in my garden or do a bit of sewing.
This is also why I love pottery because I don’t have to think about, "How am I going to teach someone how to make what I have just made?".
I definitely prefer handwork.
We had to do wheelwork in college and I would go home on the train, covered in clay, hardly able to see out my glasses. And that was after managing to clean the wheel I'd been working on.
I feel that I have much more control over what I'm trying to do when working by hand. I take up a lot of room doing handwork so maybe I feel too confined when working on the wheel. I like having space around me.
I have a few favourite pieces that I’ve made, but definitely my first Teapot I made. His bottom got blown off during his last firing and I had to glue it back on. But I love him.
People think that you’ll go to a pottery class and within a short while, you can produce a dinner service. Oh, and that you can charge less than what they would pay for a standard one in a local store. Making ashtrays seem to be a popular misconception as well. Yeah right!
For me, pottery, like any other art form or creative journey, is something that you do for yourself, not someone else. It cannot be about anything else because it is you that learns and grows from the process of experiencing, sharing and creating.
Pottery class is like going to a day spa where you come back renewed and ready for the next 7 days when you get to be creative again.
