Slabbing- Nour 2nd Lesson

Nour had her second pottery lesson today, and the excitement was palpable as she arrived at the studio, her enthusiasm radiating in the air. She was eager to dive into the world of clay and creativity, yet she was acutely aware of the ticking clock, as she had plans to attend a barbecue in London later that day. The anticipation of delicious food and good company loomed over her, adding a layer of urgency to her artistic endeavors as she needed to prepare for the social gathering.

We began our session by tidying up the pieces she had thrown during her previous lesson last week. This involved a careful and focused approach, as we concentrated on refining the bottoms of her creations using the pottery wheel. The process required patience and precision, as we aimed to ensure that each piece had a smooth and even base, which is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. Nour had come well-prepared with a plethora of ideas swirling in her mind about what she wanted to accomplish during this session. One of her ambitious goals was to throw a tall jug, a project that would showcase her skills and creativity. However, I gently advised her that while it was a fantastic aspiration, she might need a bit more practice with the technique of pulling up the clay before attempting such an intricate form, especially given the limited time we had together.

Instead of diving into the jug project, we decided to shift our focus to her second idea—creating a kitchen towel holder. This project was particularly suited for slab work, a technique that she hadn’t explored before. As we rolled out the clay into flat slabs, Nour's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement. She was delighted to learn this new method, and as we progressed, it became evident that she was not only grasping the technique quickly but also excelling at it. With careful hands and a creative spirit, she crafted a beautiful and functional form that would serve a practical purpose in her kitchen. Once completed, the piece was set aside to rest under plastic, allowing it to maintain its moisture until her next visit. During her upcoming session on Tuesday, she would have the opportunity to tidy up her creation further, after which it would be left to dry completely before being fired in the kiln.

As Nour departed from the studio, she left with a sense of fulfillment and joy, her heart light with the anticipation of her next pottery session. It was rewarding to see her enthusiasm and progress, and I too found great enjoyment in the teaching process. It reminded me fondly of my earlier days spent teaching in my nursing career, where the joy of imparting knowledge and skills to others was a significant part of my professional life. However, this experience felt even more joyful and relaxing, as it allowed for a creative expression that was both therapeutic and fulfilling. The blend of art and teaching created a unique atmosphere that I cherished, making each session a delightful journey of discovery for both Nour and myself.