Hey there, fellow pottery enthusiasts! If you’re as obsessed with clay as I am, you’re probably already a fan of the TV show The Great Pottery Throw Down. For those who have yet to discover this gem, let me give you a quick scoop.
This heartwarming and inspiring show airs on Channel 4 on Sunday evenings at 7:45 pm and is available on All4. It's the ultimate celebration of the art of pottery, featuring talented potters transforming lumps of clay into stunning masterpieces. Watching the show is like having a cosy chat with your creative soul while sipping on a warm cup of tea.
Though the application for this year’s season has closed, it's never too early to dream and prepare for the next round. Here’s a playful take on how I’d answer their application questions.
I embarked on my pottery journey three years ago in Saint Petersburg. My colleagues answered my silent prayers and gifted me a certificate for a pottery course. It was love at first sight!
Then, life whisked me away to sunny Cyprus, where I spent countless hours at Erencia Creative, mastering the craft. My true comfort with clay blossomed after taking online lessons with Evgenii Pokidaeff. Soon after that, I joined the Emira Pottery workshop and still continue going there to fire my pots.
My studio is a tiny, charming nook in my yard. Picture this: a pottery wheel, a working table, and an assortment of tools, all dreaming of the day a kiln joins their ranks. I sneak into pottery sessions every free minute I can steal from my full-time job. And, of course, this makes weekends my favourite days to do pottery.
My style is a delightful fusion of childish playfulness and mature messages. I revel in the beauty of imperfections, believing that they add personality and charm to each creation.
I draw inspiration for my work from the myriad colors and forms of life, nature, and, of course, the Great Pottery Throw Down show. My aim? To create art that resonates, challenges, and delights.
What’s not to love about ceramics? It’s like alchemy, transforming humble earth into something solid, beautiful, and valuable. The tactile joy of moulding clay with my hands is pure magic. It is literally art born from the elements of nature.
My process begins in my trusty sketchbook, a habit from my art school days. I sketch out ideas, then move to the wheel, where I experiment until I find the perfect form.
Each piece is unique; I never repeat a design. After the first firing, I let my creativity run wild with underglazes, allowing the pot to reveal its final form. Painting on pots is my absolute favourite part – it’s where the magic truly happens.
Choosing just one is impossible, so I’ll share two! First, my “Volumetric Flask,” with its fluid, alchemical form, is a piece I adore for its elegance. Second, “Merperson” is a testament to the freedom and playfulness I felt while painting it. Both pieces capture the essence of my creative journey and the joy I find in pottery.
While pottery is my number one passion, I also love swimming and freediving. Cyprus, with its stunning waters, is a paradise for these activities. I can dive 20 meters deep and hold my breath for three minutes, and I’m constantly pushing my limits. Freediving offers a serene calmness, much like pottery, making it the perfect complement to my creative life.
So, there you have it – my heartfelt answers to the Great Pottery Throw Down application questions. If you’re a fellow potter dreaming of showcasing your work and passion, start planning now.
Who knows? Next year, we might just be competing together, turning lumps of clay into art on television!
Happy potting!
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