Mid and East Antrim ceramic workshops for you with Potter and Bunny
By Jade Hamill
If you’re looking for a creative pursuit or hobby, then you have come to the right place. The next time your children are screaming ‘I’M BOOOOOOORED’ at the top of their lungs while throwing their toys around the room, you can take a deep breath and launch into pottery; a pastime that keeps you and the children entertained. All the while you’d be supporting small businesses like that of Potter and Bunny.
The creator behind Potter and Bunny, Sasha McVey is native to Glenarm, County Antrim and is passionate about bringing ceramics to the locale, providing an experience for all. McVey has even stated that it was through early education that she garnered this skill:
“My first piece of pottery comes from my Primary School days where I made my very first piece of pottery and my first encounter with ceramics at the age of 7. I guess in a way you could say this was the beginning, from here I developed my passion for art in school and later went on to study Contemporary Applied Arts at the University of Ulster.”
Ceramics is inclusive and meets many needs, whether that be Autism, ADHD or even to help keep the brain active. The freedom to create your own piece means there’s no incorrect way to achieve your desired outcome. The versatile nature of clay means there are infinite possibilities, especially with the unlimited processes and techniques that come with clay: coiling, hand building, mark-making techniques, stamping etc.
Sustainability is vital to Potter and Bunny. To ensure sustainable practice, the scraps of clay at the end of each workshop is recycled and reused. The leftover clay is soaked in large tubs of water until it becomes a slip-like consistency. Then, the clay is placed on a plaster batt as it absorbs the moisture and wedged until the air bubbles are popped. The clay is then ready for the next creation.
Potter and Bunny have also commented that creativity nurtures who we are as a collective and allows for concepts and ideas to become physical pieces:
“As a ceramicist our most important tool is our hands. In preparing our clay, making, finishing, cleaning and recycling. Hands are everyday tools which allow us to be creative and expressive, something which we may take for granted.”
The emotional development that comes with creativity is essential in expanding your view of the world and if that’s not enough, you have a new skill. Learn essential and techniques in this fun, forgiving and relaxing craft or simply appreciate the craftsmanship.
If you’re interested in attending adult workshops, parent and child workshops, children’s workshops, community projects or more, contact Potter and Bunny today: Artisan Handmade Ceramics | Workshops and Commissions | Potter & Bunny — Potter and Bunny
Alongside this, Potter and Bunny have created clay kits providing you with your very own box of beginner’s pottery tools and clay. The air-dry clay available is a quality material that feels just like stoneware, without the wait of completion. This starter kit contains all the essentials, including Information about your tools, your clay and possible ideas for you to try at home. Your box is just one click away at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PotterandBunny?ref=search_shop_redirect
