by Daysha Gray

Ceramics provides a hands-on approach to creativity for students looking to expand their artistic abilities and outputs. In ceramics, artists learn how to craft pottery and make various shapes using clay, employing methods such as wheel-throwing and hand-building. This is followed by the processes of drying, firing, and glazing, resulting in completed functional or artistic works.

3D and Art Teacher Jennifer Beckman said, “Ceramics is beneficial. It teaches students skills and can teach them to make money.”

Student artists appreciate the creative process in the ceramics classroom. 

Junior Arianna Adams said, “Ceramics helps me learn that practice makes progress and that patience is key. For anyone new to ceramics, I would tell them to have patience and to make sure to listen very carefully to understand directions. 

Senior Reese Somerville agreed, saying ceramics teaches patience.

“Working with clay allows me to be very creative and express my creative side. My advice for someone taking a ceramics class would be to be patient. Give yourself grace and be proud of all the progress you make.”

Senior Natalie Hollins said the classroom atmosphere adds to the creative process.

 “Ms. Beckman has been an amazing teacher and I’ve loved her class since I had it my freshman year,” said Hollins. “Making things in art is something that I’ve really grown to love. I’ve always loved art and drawing and making things.”

According to Beckman, when making pottery, there are numerous uses for creations, including selling and making household products, as well as decorative pieces such as vases, wall art, and candle holders. 

Clay crafting provides therapeutic advantages, encourages creative expression, and can serve as a financially beneficial hobby or enterprise when students engage with communities and acquire new skills, such as handbuilding and wheel throwing, and seek inspiration on platforms like Pinterest.

“Selling pottery projects in this class could be easily done. Considering we use professional clay, it is safe for dishes and microwaving them. A best seller could be a butter dish. They’re great and easy to sell for tons of money,” said Beckman.

Working with clay for the first time can be challenging, particularly when using a pottery wheel. That’s why taking a 3D Art class is beneficial. Creating a simple pottery piece requires a lot of effort and skill. 

Beckman also explained, “We start with easier projects and progressively increase the difficulty. When assigning a project to my students, we must plan and sketch before diving straight into the clay. Ceramics can be difficult, but it does create more confidence.”

Adams agreed. “Being involved with ceramics makes me confident in various ways, because when I finish a project, I feel really good about it in the end.”

“I would say ceramics helps my confidence because it really makes me appreciate all of my hard work,” said Somerville. “It makes me proud of my artwork.”

Aside from all of the fun and beneficial activities that pottery making entails, there are indeed serious rules that must be followed in the process. 

Beckman said guidelines help ensure that the art form remains safe, enjoyable, and productive for everyone involved. Whether a seasoned potter or a novice just beginning to explore the craft, understanding these rules is crucial. They establish a foundation for good practices in techniques, equipment usage, and safety measures. 

Hollins added, “We get pretty messy when working with softer, wet clay.  We do different things, whether that’s on the pottery wheel or by hand.”

In the end, it comes down to being careful within the artistic space.

“Remember to be careful with all utensils,” said Beckman. “Some can be dangerous, including knives and wires. Please take notes and sketch out creations to fully understand what you are going to create.”

Additional reporting by Aurora Grisham.