An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail. – Edwin Land
Last year I wrote about the joy I found in taking a pottery class while vacationing in Colorado. David Strong’s class was three hours of instruction. Since then, I have taken another class — a full semester of experimenting and taking chances, and connecting with other creative types who inspired me not just in my artistic endeavors, but in life.
David Gentry’s class at Shasta College allowed me to spend six to eight hours per week molding, throwing and glazing clay. What did this time in the studio lead to? Patience with myself and the courage to try new things, even if those choices meant failing miserably. It also led to my love and appreciation for ceramics. The feel of smooth, pliable earth in my hands was mesmerizing and therapeutic. As the semester drew to a close, I wanted to continue exploring this art form, but for most of summer I have been too busy to begin again.
Yesterday, textural memories reminded me of how whole I felt while working with earthly material and how important it is to explore and nourish our creative souls. Of all media, clay speaks to me, so I have started my search for equipment and supplies, and hope to have my studio ready within a couple of weeks.
Once equipped, I will be able to create and cultivate pieces similar to these, my first thrown pottery pieces:


Mixed Media with Manzanita Wood, Copper and Raku Glaze


Small Raku Pots


Raku Bowl
Whether painting, photography, music, gardening, woodworking or basket weaving inspires you, I hope you find time this weekend to feed that inspiration. And don’t hold back because you are intimidated by trying something new. As Mr. Land said, “An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.”
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and create!



by Amber Galusha
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