Experience the Magic
I always knew that, for me, clay had magical powers. From the very beginning, it could transport me away to another place. And over time, I learned to allow the power of the clay to direct me as I began to understand its magic. With time and practice, I discovered how to transform a lifeless mound of clay into a beautiful creation. As my pots grew and evolved, so did I. I began to feel my spirit settle down, unwind and become more balanced.
It wasn’t until I started teaching that I realized that this magical power held true for everyone. Over the years, I watched my students become enchanted with a strong desire to “make the magic work”. I was witnessing more than a goal to create a pot. I was witnessing a transformation in the students themselves.
While distracted by the task at hand, my students often began to de-stress and relax. With the calming, non-threatening spin of the wheel, they started to talk about their lives and slowly, about some of their challenges in life. They learned that the studio was a safe place to talk and with the loving support of others who were soothed at the wheel, the process of self-healing began.
Along the way, they began to appreciate and take delight in their talents in clay. It did not matter what their work of art looked like – for it was the experience of trusting and letting go that was reflected in their pots and as such, everyone loved their results. Their childlike delight at creating a piece of art was kindled and each piece became magical for them.
As I walked my journey as an artist, I learned that the maker actually embeds this sense of peace and balance and calmness into the piece, resulting in a permanent gift to all who encounter it. I have since learned that this is true of all forms of art that are created with this loving presence.
I always knew that clay had magical powers. I have experienced it and have grown from it. And so, if you find yourself absently caressing a pot someday, you may notice a quiet, subtle sense of peace and balance within. Relax and enjoy the feeling – let yourself experience the magic.
2 Comments
suzy birstein
October 30, 2015so very true and so beautifully expressed.
xooxSuzy
peggy
November 2, 2015Thanks Suzy – I know you feel the magic in your wonderful creations!
Cheers,
Peggy