Mental Health Benefits of Pottery

Pottery is a beautiful and meditative art that allows for self-expression through the creation of functional pottery pieces. It is one of the oldest crafts that man has pursued, and its health benefits are numerous. Pottery promotes a feeling of calm, and its process focuses the mind and creates an understanding of problem-solving that is highly beneficial to mental health.

Potters use a variety of techniques to shape clay into useful objects. One of the most popular methods is a potter’s wheel, where the clay is placed in the center and turned manually or by a machine that attaches to a pugmill. This technique requires skill and experience to achieve good results, but it is a quick way to form large items like bowls or vases.

Another popular method of shaping clay is coiling, where potters roll long thin ropes of clay to create the walls of a vessel. Slab construction is another common method for making pottery, where potters work with flat sheets of clay to make tiles and other flat-surfaced objects.

After a piece of clay is formed, it must be “de-aired.” This process removes air from the clay by vacuuming through a de-airing machine or by hand using a wedging tool. Once a potter de-airs their clay, it’s ready to be shaped and dried.

Pottery is an excellent choice for children, because it helps develop their motor skills and encourages creativity. It also provides a fun and relaxing escape from the stress of everyday life. Pottery also strengthens the hands, wrists, and arms, which is beneficial for those with arthritis in these joints. In addition, pottery can reduce cortisol levels, which is a common symptom of many mental disorders including anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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