Research shows that when making pottery, the tactile sense is engaged and promotes a meditative state, helping to reduce blood pressure and regulate breathing. Tests show a measurable difference in cortisol levels—the so-called “stress hormone.” The meditative state allows your frustrations and worries to melt away, promoting a release of muscle tension and self-regulation which can allow emotions to re-set.
Donna put us in contact with Ruth Nelson, one of the instructors at BMC, and my daughter and I began weekly lessons.
Our first lesson taught us some basic facts right off the bat. First, it’s much harder than it looks. I watched a few YouTube videos before working with Ruth, and those pros made it look easy. It is not easy. But it is fun, challenging, and messy in a good way. And the research proved true, it is remarkably soothing. We found ourselves in a zoned-out state of bliss as that wheel spun and we attempted to shape our clay.
BMC was established in July of 1997 by Susan Ward. The studio itself is fully equipped for stoneware, porcelain and raku pottery, and adorned with 12 wheels, a slab roller, a pug mill extruder and plenty of room for hand-building. The kiln room contains two large Skutt electric kilns—one for bisque and the other for high fire. The glaze kiln is a 16 cubic foot Geil downdraft glass kiln. The entire studio is open 24 hours for members and offers multi-level classes year-round.
In 2015, Lauren Street was appointed director of BMC. Street has been working with clay since her student days at The Community School in 1986. She continued her passion for pottery at the Parsons College of Art and Design where she received her BFA in Ceramics. In addition to running the studio, Lauren makes dinnerware for restaurants, design stores and individual clients. Though she hopes someday to be a full-time potter, for now, she works hard on BMC programming, non-profit partnerships and member relations.
Ruth Nelson, our instructor, has been doing ceramics for eight years. Her passion was ignited at Gonzaga university and following graduation she returned to Sun Valley and happily found a position at BMC where she continued her ceramics journey and engaged with the community.
Ruth patiently taught my daughter and I the basics of pottery—from wedging to glazing and trimming; from sealing and centering to opening and shaping techniques. We learned the names of all the tools and different types of clay. We watched as BMC members quietly spent time at the wheels around us, their capable hands forming beautiful pieces like magic.
Throwing pottery is truly an art form but also a skill that takes a great deal of practice. My daughter and I worked hard each week and eventually made a few tiny bowls! But we plan to spend a lot more time at BMC—taking classes but also working independently to improve our skills. Most importantly, we look forward to reaping the physical and emotional benefits of the calming effects of the process, enjoying the camaraderie with the other artists and taking in the lovely view of Baldy from the glazed room.