I Was a Newbie at Creating Something Recently

I Was a Newbie at Creating Something Recently

March 04, 2024

So, picture this: I finally mustered up the courage to tick off a long-standing item from my bucket list - taking a pottery class. The allure of creating beautiful pieces adorned with Iron Orchid Design molds had beckoned me for years, and I couldn't resist any longer. Armed with eagerness and a touch of trepidation, I waltzed into my first pottery session on a sunny Sunday.

Now, let me set the scene for you. As a complete novice surrounded by seasoned pottery pros, I found myself drowning in a sea of self imposed confusion and mishaps. My pottery pieces resembled abstract blobs more than anything else, and I seemed to be stuck in a cycle of repeated mistakes. It was a comedy of errors, with me incessantly seeking help and guidance, much to my embarrassment.

Amidst this chaos, a profound moment of clarity emerged when my teacher gently reminded me to do something so basic yet so easily forgotten - breathe. Yes, you read that right. I had been holding my breath for what felt like an eternity, rendering my body stiff and my creations lackluster. Lesson learned: relaxation is the secret ingredient to successful pottery-making (and life).

As I reflect upon this hilarious yet enlightening experience, I draw parallels to the journey of newcomers stumbling upon Accidental ArtMaker. Just like my pottery adventure, venturing into the realm of Iron Orchid Design products can be overwhelming and challenging. The key, as I discovered, lies in embracing imperfection, allowing yourself to learn, fail, and learn again. It's a cycle, a beautiful dance of growth and discovery.

One vital piece of advice from my patient teacher resonated deeply with me - don’t dwell on perfection, just make one move forward. Whether it's molding clay or exploring new artistic techniques, the essence lies in the experience itself, not the end result. Embrace the messiness, relish the journey. This is something I share all the time at Accidental ArtMaker, but I needed to be reminded as I ventured into a new form of artmaking.

So, with newfound wisdom and a clay-covered apron, I delved back into the pottery wheel, this time with a lighter heart and a focus on breathing and letting go. And guess what? A coffee mug that actually resembled a coffee mug emerged from my hands. The lesson? Sometimes, the path to perfection starts with imperfection.

And there you have it, folks - a tale of laughter, mishaps, and personal growth in the creative realm. Remember, art is not about reaching the destination but savoring the journey, bumps and all. So, embrace the mess, take that leap of faith, and let your creativity soar. Happy art-making!

Stay tuned for more adventures at Accidental ArtMaker. I go back next week to learn how to "trim" my pottery. Not sure what that means yet, I will let you know!

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