As mother nature teases us with short spells of sun, the studio is starting to come into bloom, much like the growing plants outside. Spring teaches us that good things come to those who wait, and those who are patient. A similar lesson can be learned from the pottery wheel. Good things don’t happen all at once, but with time, your wheel throwing skills can begin to fully blossom.

You can call it whatever you want: a growth spurt, coming of age, puberty. The fact of the matter is, the studio is going through changes (cue the Big Mouth theme song). Much like all of us when we entered into those awkward years of teenage growth, the essence of the studio will remain unchanged, but it’s voice got a bit deeper and it’s feeling more grown up.

It seems my side of social media has decided that the dead of winter is a poor time to make resolutions and set goals.

I can’t say I disagree, as temperatures outside remain at a constant sub-zero, it feels like my internal fire is burning solely for survival, less so to fuel an entire year’s worth of intention. That being said, I think this time of the year is better suited for self-reflection, creative expression and relaxation. The line-up for January and February workshops has been intentionally crafted to help us get through these cold and dark days with ease. After all, creative expression and community are the best remedy for the winter chill. A heart-warmer if you will.

The doors of Mango in a Pot have been opened for just over a year. The space has taken on many forms throughout these past 12 months, but most importantly, it has served as a facilitator for connection and community.

I almost can’t believe that 2023 is already coming to a close. The studio has grown and developed so beautifully since opening our doors in December 2022, it’s hard to believe that a year has flown by already!

That being said, there are lots of exciting new activities planned before the year comes to a close.

Mango in a Pot is now offering a 3-lesson path for anyone who’s interested in starting their wheel throwing journey. The workshops will be given on an individual, one-to-one, basis, meaning we will be scheduling these 3 lessons around your calendar. We can start at any time (if the studios/your calendar allows it) and each lesson is tailored to your learning level.

Mango in a Pot is teaming up with Maybe Studio for a special edition workshop.

Maybe Studio is a female-founded, sustainable brand that makes hand-dipped beeswax candles. They use only natural materials, even dying their candles with homemade plant dyes. Alina from Maybe Studio will lead the first half of the workshop, where you will get a chance to make your own hand-dipped taper candle. Once you’ve made your candle, its time to build a ceramic candle holder! The second half of the session will be a handbuilding ceramic workshop, where you can get creative with clay, and mold your very own candle-holder.

After careful reflection, the studio’s workshop offerings are going to change. Moving away from 1-time wheel throwing workshops towards regular commitment will allow for deeper learning and a more constructive studio environment.

As someone who’s ceramics craft has just recently taken an external studio space, I can agree with those who prefer to practice their creativity in the comfort of their own home. I certainly preferred my living room over a public space because I had more room to be raw, vulnerable and most importantly make mistakes. This is how the idea of the clay club was born. A way to bring the healing power of ceramics to your home, with everything you need.

For anyone who’s dabbled in the art of ceramics, it quickly becomes quite clear how much can go wrong at any stage. The looming idea that your work of art can be ruined at any moment makes ceramics the perfect art form for those looking to practice non-attachment.