Embracing the dynamic journey of pottery-making is akin to a thrilling expedition, an adventure where the ultimate treasure to unearth is your unique artistic voice. And guess what? You're not alone in this exciting pursuit. Countless potters are navigating the same captivating voyage, grappling with self-doubt, and questioning whether they've truly found their 'voice'. But here's the secret - your pottery voice is not a static concept. It's a fluid, ever-evolving entity that morphs and develops in sync with you and your growing skills.
Imagine pottery-making as a canvas that we gradually fill with our experiences, emotions, and ideas. Each time we play with different elements of pottery, from basic glazes and wheel throwing to under glazes and scruffy dough, we're essentially adding a new layer of color, texture, and depth to our pottery voice. This is what makes pottery-making an incredibly personal and intimate craft. Each creation is a reflection of our evolving pottery voice, imbued with our unique perspective and artistic sensibility.
Consider the diverse range of potters we've interviewed. While many doubt if they've found their voice or the 'right' direction for their pottery, their remarkable work suggests otherwise. Their doubts don't diminish their achievements; rather, they highlight the dynamic, ongoing journey of artistic self-discovery and evolution.
So, what exactly does it mean to find your pottery voice? Is it a mythical, elusive concept that exists only in our imagination? Or is it a tangible, definable entity that we can grasp and hold on to? The answer lies somewhere in between. Yes, you can and will find your pottery voice, but it's not a finite destination. It's a constant process of evolution and growth that parallels your personal and artistic journey.
Your pottery voice evolves with each new skill you acquire, each new technique you master, and each new direction you explore. It changes and expands as you experiment with handbuilding, delve into sculpture, or break away from traditional glazes to experiment with vibrant under glazes or scruffy dough. But remember, change doesn't mean losing your original voice. Rather, it's about adding another layer to your already rich and diverse pottery voice. Each new experiment, each new trial is another layer that further enhances and refines your unique pottery voice.
Don't fret if you feel your pottery voice is changing or evolving. Embrace this evolution, for it's a sign of your growth and progression as a potter. Every piece of pottery you create now is an expression of your current pottery voice. It's an embodiment of your skills, your interests, and your artistic vision at this moment. And who knows, six months down the line, your pottery voice might evolve again, reflecting a new set of skills, interests, and inspirations.
Pottery-making is not a stagnant pursuit. It's a dynamic, ever-evolving craft that thrives on change, growth, and exploration. Your pottery voice is the essence of this evolution. So, don't chase a static, unchanging pottery voice. Instead, rejoice in the endless odyssey of pottery-making, where each new skill, each new layer adds to the beautiful tapestry of your unique pottery voice.
So, the next time you find yourself questioning if you've found your pottery voice, remember that you're already on the right path. Your pottery voice is not lost; it's constantly evolving, just like you. And this dynamic, ever-changing voice is what makes you, and your pottery, truly unique.
Happy pottering! And don't forget to share your thoughts - do you think we ever find our pottery voice? I'd love to hear from you.
