Nick's News

New Beginnings and Continuation

Working with clay is a unique interaction with the earth that utilizes one of its most fundamental resources to bring objects into fruition that might otherwise exist only in our minds. 

One of our favorite things about clay is its limitless potential for creation. It can take almost any form imaginable. With this complex material, for better or worse, we are never done learning. When we try to hurry or focus on results rather than the experience of making, we are often humbled by the resistance of the material. Clay has its own timeframe, and we have no choice but to surrender to its (sometimes stubborn) will. In life and in clay, the very act of seeking total control implies a struggle against nature.

Sometimes we make something and realize we’d rather recycle the clay and begin again. The ability to start over is one of the great gifts of this practice and a powerful reminder that starting anew is often the path of least resistance. Working iteratively can make it easier to observe your own growth, whether it’s the development of muscle memory or your familiarity with the qualities of the material. We love to witness students and members build confidence in their work over time. It seems that progress is only possible when we show up for ourselves and for our creative pursuits. We don’t always feel like coming into the studio and making things, but when we leave, we’re rarely disappointed that we came.

There is so much to learn through this process, and anyone who has worked with clay knows it’s rich with metaphor. These lessons are something we like to pause and reflect on as we begin a new year.

What are your creative goals for 2026? How do you hope to grow as an artist, and as a person/community member?

At the studio, one of our biggest goals is to provide a space where artists and makers can come together and feel supported in their creative growth. A place to spend time alone or with friends, whatever feels most needed at the moment. We aim to share a little simplicity and kindness, one day at a time.

Running this studio is our dream come true.  We couldn’t do this without you, or without the rich and vibrant community that surrounds us. We are incredibly grateful.

Happy New Year to you and yours! 

Love,

The Nick’s Team

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Fancy Throwing with Cezar Cozianu

Wanna throw a bit fancier? Take this workshop to learn some tips, tricks, and strategies to add features and alterations while you're throwing! Come with a specific idea in mind, or follow a demo example! All skill levels welcome, some experience on the wheel is recommended.

Sunday February 8th 3PM -5:30PM