Make Time in Your Life for Play
As the founder of a growing and exciting new Totnes-based ceramics studio, The Clay Yard, I have to be careful to steer myself away from spending every waking minute managing the broad and varied elements that keep the studio functioning, dynamic and systematic. In the back of my mind, I gently remind myself that “all work and no play, makes Alison a dull girl”.
I make plans to structure within my week essential space to engage in energising activities, to enjoy together-time outdoors with friends and to treat myself to making on the potters’ wheel.
Pinch pots with Verran Townsend
Just like the “five-a-day” approach to a balanced and nutritious diet, I like to consider a similar formula to empower and enrich my mental agility, enabling me to creatively tackle the next boulder that must be pushed up its’ steep path. I’ve called it my ‘play-a-day programme’. I find a way to “play” daily and encourage others to do the same. Play may not only make our lives interesting and fun, but will allow our grey matter to thrive and grow, resetting our thought processes to make way for new ideas.
“A truly wonderful and memorable experience! Myself, daughter and 7 year old granddaughter enjoyed a morning throwing pots on the wheel and with Alison’s expert tuition , we all made a pot to be proud of including my granddaughter. Would certainly recommend this activity ! ”
All potters gain value from working in their own way, of making together, of sharing their inspiration and excitement over new projects and sympathy over lessons learned. Their work tells a story of mindful adventure that has enabled them to have access to a creative corner of their psyche and to gain benefit from this in other aspects of their lives. They are interesting and interested, they share their enthusiasm and joy and they can most certainly be described as anything but dull.
