A student Guide to Pottery 101!
Maddie Layton, Contributor
The University of Toronto can be a stressful environment, often causing students to miss out on new activities and experiences while focusing solely on grades. Over the past year, I have stepped away from academics to explore hobbies within my community, including pottery. This relaxing and rewarding activity can be enjoyed alone or with friends.
Pottery serves as a calming escape that embraces mistakes. Unlike many high-energy activities in the university and Toronto communities, pottery offers a low-intensity experience at your own pace. The stress-relieving benefits of working with clay and creating unique pieces can be truly therapeutic. It’s an ideal break from school for all skill levels. It provides a creative outlet to meet new people from across the Toronto community. As you progress through your classes, you’ll develop friendships and enjoy engaging conversations—sometimes over a glass of wine, if your instructor is generous!
What is so great about this hobby is you get to keep everyone you make. Not only does pottery create lasting memories with each piece you craft, but it also makes for the perfect holiday gift!
If you’re interested in diving into this new hobby, Toronto has plenty of options. The Gardiner Museum offers one-day classes in hand-building or wheel pottery, while ClayArt Studios provides eight-week sessions for both beginners and intermediates to develop their skills. Which all can be signed up online through their websites. If you are looking for a new hobby, I’d encourage you to try taking a class!
Photo Credit: Aiden Fung
