Winter Weekend Pottery Classes – A Slow Season, A Shared Journey
In the winter of 2024, during the quietest and most introspective time of the year, I felt inspired to open my studio doors to the local community and offer weekend pottery classes. What began as a simple idea soon unfolded into a deeply rewarding shared creative journey.
For two months — January and February — we met every Saturday, gathering around clay, conversation, and the gentle rhythm of making. Together we explored a wide range of ceramic techniques: from creating delicate pinch pots in stoneware, to hand-building with porcelain, coiling larger sculptural vases, and finally crafting complete dinner sets of plates and bowls. Each participant experienced the full process, right through to glazing their own pieces — all guided with care, patience, and encouragement.
Watching everyone connect with the material, embrace imperfections, and gain confidence in their hands was as meaningful as the finished work itself. These mornings became a space not just for learning, but for slowing down, sharing stories, and rediscovering the joy of creating something tangible.
Below are photographic glimpses into our two months together — moments of focus, laughter, clay-covered hands, and quiet pride as each piece took its final form.
Photos by my husband, Krišjānis Piliņš
