The Weakest Link

It is hard to be the least capable person in any group. You still belong there of course, but to know without a shadow of a doubt that you’re definitely not at the level of all those around you is hard as hell.

Once upon a time, this used to be the art world for me. I was a beginner when my first child was born, taking a painting class as a response to an inner whisper (and maybe to get out of the endless bedtime routine once a week). Then ceramics came into my life and once again I was that adult who looked in bewilderment at students who could simply pull tall vases without struggle, while I was working my tail off to center one ball of clay.

Now throwing most functional work isn’t a big deal for me and running a studio has become a wonderfully rhythmic part of my life. True-to-form, I needed some beginner-level reaching in my life. I’ve found that on the BSSC intramural-adult field. What’s funny here is that I’m not a beginner in the purest sense. Once upon a time, 25 years ago, I found joy and success on the field. I thought oh-so-naively, why not go back? It’ll be fun and rejuvenating!

Monday nights I dust off the clay, grab my stick, and try to hold my own. I aim to not let too many balls pass by me, to defend my line, and make a few good passes. I try to remember new-to-me rules and positioning terms about which I have only a vague memory. On the worst nights, I end the game a bit embarrassed and days later I’m still thinking about a block I should have had or shot I took too late.

It is so much darn fun, and yet hard on the ego. To be around a full team of adults who are faster, stronger, and younger is humbling. Every Tuesday my legs are sore from a game at some unreasonable hour that I’ve dragged myself to long after my kids went to bed. It’s a way to push myself in a way I hadn’t in years.

As I drive home, I almost always have a huge slap-happy grin on my face, exhilarated from rush of it all. I’m not 18 anymore, but it’s just as fun as ever.

This fall, I hope you’ll do something hard- something you’re initially lousy at. Be the worst artists in the room or the worst player on the field. It won’t last long- you’ll slowly get better, learn and improve.

We have a whole bunch of amazing potters at Create who were beginners with us two years ago. No matter what you do, you’ll feel the exhilaration of discover, joy, and growth. Humility is always good in regular doses!

That’s why we’re here, to learn and grow and develop- in community. Join us this fall.

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Some Friday Night Clay classes are posted, along with some special ceramics short workshops.

We’ll be adding more mediums to our Friday Night series ASAP, so if you’re looking for something and don’t see it, let us know.

Scroll down for the fall schedule!

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Youth work from August 8 - 12 and earlier is READY! Please come and get your student’s creations ASAP! We suggest bringing your student with you so they can check the “Youth Summer No- Name” shelf for their pieces!