Oxide Clay Art

Before you ask, there’s been no «Ghost» moment. Put that Roy Orbison track in your Spotify account away! Now.
Okay, with that out of the way, I can tell you about my first block of classes at Oxide Clay Art run by ceramic artist Joe. He’s been throwing clay for more than 30 years and watching him demonstrate how to make bowls, plates and as of last night a cone resembling a christmas tree shape is both mesmerizing and frustrating (he makes it all look so easy!)
Each «semester» is 5 weeks and as my first «semester» draws to a close, I can recommend that you definitely aim to book a second block of classes to follow on. By the 4^th or 5^th week you’re just getting into a flow and all that Joe has taught you is finally coming together when the block of classes have finished. His classes book out quite quickly so I’d even suggest booking two sessions straight up.
The price is all inclusive of the lesson and materials you’ll need to get started. The general kiln work is also included but you’ll pay a little extra for glazing — around $ 2 a piece I believe. I’m chuffed to be walking away from this lot of classes with a handful of pieces that resemble bowls, cups and a bee-​hive shaped vase. Each class is limited to about 8 students which makes it a great environment to learn in.
Joe has demonstrated a lot of various techniques throughout the semester but his teaching style is very much about letting us learn by doing. I personally like this style and am happy to ask for his guidance as I need it or as he walks past and notices I’m spinning my wheel too fast again.
I will say, these classes have taught me more about my own self than anything else. Learning to «throw» on the wheel is an art and it requires stillness, letting go of what you think it all should be and focus. There’s no multi-​tasking, trying to out do the person beside you and it’s all about «feeling» the clay to avoid a colossal cluster of your clay falling over on itself.
If pottery is something you’ve been even remotely thinking about doing I’d highly recommend checking out Oxide.