Create in Clay (a story about clay and friendship)

Getting a lesson at clay at Create in Clay

One of the blessings in having good friends is that we get to share some of their joyful moments. And for five year olds, a birthday party with their buddies, falls into the very happy category. To be able to play, run around, sing, giggle and eat cake with each other is like nirvana to them! And on one recent occasion, our little Monkey got to do all of these things plus learn how to throw pots at her friend Elliot's 5th birthday.

Before I share about the wonderful space called Create in Clay Ceramics School, I have to mention why this birthday party was especially sweet.

When Amara was 12 weeks old I joined one of the Support Groups for Mothers groups here in the East Bay (http://www.supportgroupformothers.com/index.php).  Being a new mom was not as easy as I had fantasized it would be. In fact, the first days and weeks were rough, challenging ones. I sought out the support of other new moms who might be experiencing similar feelings and experiences.The other babies in the group ranged from 4 weeks to Amara's 12 weeks. That room, filled with those other new mama's and their newborns, guided by the loving, knowledgeable leader Jennifer Subasic-Marks, helped us to feel safe, helped us to feel normal in our unknowing, helped us to navigate the bumpy moments and helped us to form friendships that have lasted, well the past 5 years!

Over these years, as the mama friendships have grown, we have shared in each other's joys (new babies, new homes, new jobs, travel adventures) and supported each other in the darker moments (ill health of loved ones or oneself, miscarriage, layoffs). And the little ones are always thrilled to see and play with one another. Some real friendships were formed in that room and during those early play dates.

On this particular day in July, we were thrilled to celebrate Elliot's birthday with him, his baby brother Austin and his parents Zach and Kari. We always enjoy spending time with this warm, loving, conscious and kind family. The phrase 'good people' was formed because of people like these. 

This year, Elliot's parents choose to have his party at Create in Clay Ceramic School, a non-profit ceramics school on San Pablo Ave in Emeryville http://www.createinclay.org/, which turned out to be a splendid time for all.

For most of the little people at Elliot's party, working with clay in this form was a first. And what better fun than to try something new that is also messy but which turns into something beautiful. Thrilling!

The folks that run the school are natural born artists who were made to teach. Christian Moffat and his wife (whose name I didn't catch) were patient and calm teachers who knew how to work with children of this age in a way that was engaging and inviting. It could seem daunting to the little ones to use the wheel but they showed them how it all worked, step by step, in a way that made them all feel confident to try.  And when Christian asked me about my camera and we began talking about photography, I learned he was a photographer as well. But he falls in the 'real photographer' category. I mentioned some of my struggles remembering exposure and settings and in what seemed to be his good natured way, he explained things to me that I could actually remember and he gave some simple but important suggestions. It was clear to me that he and his partner were working at their calling.  And the school was clearly set up for a kids birthday party as there was space in the second room for sitting down to enjoy food and of course, cake!

A comparison between clay and friendships seems cliche, and well, corny, but it's appropriate for this group of friends. We started out as little wet balls, mussy and unformed, in our new motherhood roles. But with time, support, compassion and patience we have all formed into good mamas who now have some pretty good friends. That's a pretty good outcome, I say.

(L-R) Calvin, Elliot, (a girl we don't know!), Alina & Eleanor

Havana was happier in the observant role today. She wanted nothing
to do with the clay!

                    



The birthday boy & his mama, Kari!



Calvin & his mama Irene

Alina & Jorge

The space was set up perfectly for each to have their own wheel.

Some of other students work on display.

That's Amara, learning with the the help of her papa.

Amara really loved this new experience. She has always been so curious.
Curiosity and Creatively are a beautiful match.

 

Singing happy birthday with Donovan & Calvin helping out!

Then handiwork of the little people. They all made lovely pieces.

Putting on the final touches and making clay sculptures.
Havana was so curious was wouldn't touch the clay? Hum?!

This is a Halloween group shot of the little ones about a month after we first met.
Amara is the pea followed by Rose, Donovan, Elliot, Calvin, Alina & Eleanor.
(2007)