Members
Natasha
'“Made With Clay is a warm and welcoming space where you can leave the world behind and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of pottery. Everyone is so knowledgeable, helpful and kind, and you will feel nurtured and at home from day 1. It is the perfect place to switch off and be creative. I only wish I had found Made With Clay sooner!”
Kate
“I’d always wanted to work with clay, use a wheel especially, but had never actually done anything about it. I joined as a complete novice and now a year later, although I have more confidence I can still produce pieces that show I’m a complete novice but am not judged or showed up in any way, I’m just encouraged in an adult, genuine way. There’s a wonderful team of people that just want to pass knowledge on and help you achieve what you’re capable of achieving. We laugh, we share stories and when you’re in the studio, the outside world fades and you get completely engrossed in the feel of clay (…)
You just need an apron and Pinterest and you’ll be amazed at yourself.”
Clive
“In my view the way the MWCS runs all year, giving members access to a working studio with regular short tutorials and individual advice, is a completely different experience from attending a 10 week course as offered by colleges or other studios. It enables you to take a longer term view of your work and development. You can give yourself time to build particular skills, follow interests and put ideas aside to work on later. You can be much more reflective about your work, with your own timescales. For me, it’s the perfect way to work.”
Jack
I first made enquiries about ‘pottery lessons’ in May 2021, following a web search. It was great to find a working studio offering tuition so close to home, but I was worried that my rudimentary skills - some coiling, learnt from YouTube videos – wouldn’t be enough to get me onto a course. Not a problem: I was welcomed from the outset - thanks, Alice!
I was the novice in a group of supportive but very talented people who were busy making impressive pots or sculptures, but as the weeks passed and I was taught key skills by the ever-patient Debbie, I began to feel ‘at home’, absorbing a lot through watching fellow members of my class at work and listening to chat and advice. Throwing sessions with Zara at the end of my first year helped enormously, building my confidence. I may still be a novice, but the language of slips, glazes, throwing and turning is no longer entirely foreign to me. Plus, I’ve watched a season of ‘Throwdown’ with some understanding and appreciation!
It’s been a fascinating and enjoyable experience, and I’m looking forward to seeing what emerges from the kiln in the coming year.
Alice
“Well, we’ve come a long long way, baby...
When I left a busy job at a leading arts Magazine, ceramics were my saviour. Pottery was my creative therapy and clay artists became my creative family. The hard work and gentle guidance of Made With Clay tutor, Debbie Bent, meant I found a new love, and a new career. Little Shop of Pots grew from the skills I learned, first at Digswell Ceramics Community and now at Made With Clay Studio. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities community potteries have given me and the wonderful people I have met along the way.”