Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in the Ceramics Studio

Day; 18. Sunny, breezy. Clear to  the west. Temperature on outside kiln; 33 degrees

I am constantly  amazed at how much I learn from my life in the studio, ceramically or otherwise...In fact most lessons from my life as an artist have a very direct application to my life in general,  such as; 

*Clean up after yourself (so your husband doesn’t have to)

*Share your tools/toys/studio with others (it’s more fun that way)

* Have patience (don’t unload the kiln too soon)

*Persevere, your mistakes are as important as your successes( they guide you just as surely)

*Know when to hold ‘em and when to fold  ’em (or throw into reclaim bucket)

*Lime green looks good with everything (especially turquoise)

*Always sit down to eat your lunch (or it may end up in the glaze bucket)

*4 dogs underfoot is enough (especially in the studio)

*Pace yourself and be kind to your body  (there’s  always the next show)

*Don’t listen to anybody else, have faith in your own gut feelings (and in your work)

* Laugh at yourself,  a lot! (no one’s watching)

*Don’t forget to breathe (especially when throwing pots)

* Don’t eat clay ( or let the dogs do it either)

* When it’s dark, bring a flashlight ( especially when unloading the kiln at 4am)

*Take naps (especially on glaze days)

* Have a very strong latte in the morning ( and keep it warm on the wood stove)

*Music is always good (especially on glaze days)

* Sing loudly and with gusto (no one’s listening..)

See what I mean? It's sorta like kindergarden.....