The Benefits of Making Pottery

As the world’s oldest art form, pottery has captivated humankind since before recorded history. Pottery has evolved along with civilization, allowing humans to create a variety of useful objects and tools for their daily lives, from functional bowls and plates to beautiful, decorative figurines. It can be hard to pin down who or where pottery was first invented, but ancient archaeological finds show that pottery developed independently around the globe at different times.

Pottery can be shaped by hand building, throwing on a potter’s wheel, or using other forms of clay manipulation like carving and pressing clay into molds. What makes clay so versatile is its ability to absorb any shape and keep it until another force is applied to it. This quality gives artists the freedom to play with their creations, and a sense of accomplishment after each finished piece.

The meditative nature of pottery making can be soothing to the mind and soul, providing individuals with a mental health boost. Studies have shown that by concentrating entirely on the creation at hand, one can achieve a sense of inner tranquility and serenity. This state of mindfulness has been known to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and heart rate and encourage regulated breathing.

For children, the tactile experience of molding clay can be a great confidence booster and self-esteem enhancer. Even hyperactive children can become completely engrossed in their work, finding peace in their surroundings and in the creative process. This also promotes healthy motor skills, as working with clay requires the use of arm and hand muscles.