Memories!

Mike is one of the first southwalian friends we made when we arrived in South Wales, over two years ago. He has sight impairment and is a guide dog user. I have been encouraging him to get his hands on clay for quite a number of months now and finally it happened last Thursday afternoon.

Before my retirement in 2009, I managed ‘Adult and Family Learning‘ for Trafford Borough Council. It was necessary to commission a health and safety assessment for each of the community venues where we were planning to run courses. Last week II found myself on old familiar territory in my own studio ; checking the floor for ‘trips and falls’ hazards, checking electrical cables were safe, aligning furniture to take account of a guide dog user etc.. it was a very useful exercise.

Anyone who has watched ‘The Great British Throwdown will know that a regular challenge is one where potters are required to ‘throw blindfold’. Often to take away one of the senses serves to heighten the sensitivity of the remaining senses and this was no exception. I centred a ball of clay, then encouraged Mike to explore it, feeling the way the clay moved in his hands. Then, learning to control the clay rather than allowing it to have its own way, was a real shift in approach. Mike threw five pieces in all, very different shapes. We even fashioned a handle for one of them! Once the pieces have been bisque fired, Mike will be back to do some glazing.