ABERDEEN NEWS — On Thursday, 3 May, eight members of the Garden and Social Club of Aberdeen were treated to a pottery workshop under the guidance of Estelle van Wyk.
Estelle firstly explained about different types of clay and how they are used and showed examples of pottery styles and shapes.
She advised how the clay can take weeks to dry to a fit state for firing in a kiln, and how patterns and colours can be added at different stages of the process.
As a former art teacher, Estelle studied pottery as part of her training and taught classes with art students. She also studied with Greek pottery masters in Wellington and did pottery for a few years with a friend, exhibited some of her pieces.
It was very obvious that she not only knew what she was doing but was able to inspire her novice "students" for the day with her talent and enthusiasm!
Every member was provided with a lump of raw clay and Estelle guided everyone through the working of the clay and the making of a small "work of art" using the pinched method. It turned out to be more difficult than anticipated to work the clay to a consistent thickness and to retain a shape which would not collapse in on to itself, but everyone produced something special. These items have been set aside to dry, and will in due course be sent to Nieu Bethesda to be fired and returned to their owners.
All present expressed their enjoyment and were indeed so keen to continue that the next garden club meeting, to be held on 14 June, has by popular demand been set aside for a further pottery workshop using the slab method, which will involve rolling the clay.
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