As a professional potter, I can say without a doubt that pottery has not only helped me hone my artistic skills but has also taught me some valuable life lessons. Here are 5 powerful lessons pottery has taught me about life:
1) Patience is key
One of the most important lessons pottery has taught me is the value of patience. Pottery is a slow and gradual process that requires a lot of patience. If you rush through the process, you’ll end up with a poorly crafted piece that is likely to break when fired. Similarly, in life, good things take time and it’s important to be patient and persistent.
2) Imperfections can be beautiful
As a potter, I’ve learned that beauty can be found in imperfection. Cracks, creases, and even mistakes can add to the beauty of a pottery piece, giving it a unique character. Similarly, in life, it’s important to embrace your imperfections and be confident in your uniqueness.
3) Letting go is important
In pottery, the process of letting go is necessary to allow the clay to take shape. You have to let go of control and trust the process. In life, letting go of things that are beyond our control can bring a sense of peace and calmness.
4) Failure is a part of the process
In pottery, failure is a part of the process. Not every piece you make will turn out as expected, and that’s okay. The key is to learn from your mistakes and keep trying. The same can be applied in life, failure is a part of the process and it’s important to learn from our failures and keep moving forward.
5) Collaboration is key
Pottery is not a solo game, it often requires a collaborative effort. Working with others can help bring new ideas, techniques and inspiration to your work. The same can be applied in life, often working collaboratively with others can help bring a new perspective and fresh ideas to the table.
In conclusion, pottery has taught me valuable life lessons that can be applied to various aspects of life. It’s important to keep an open mind and embrace the journey, flaws and all. As a potter, I look forward to continuing to learn and grow, both in my craft and in life.
