Opening

When throwing on the potter's wheel you start with a lump of clay. The clay must first be centered on the wheel--but it is still a lump of clay at that point. It is only in opening that the lump can be transformed into something other. A bowl, vase, plate, mug, planter, cup, or jar all start with the act of opening; fingers pressed to the center move the clay to its new shape. This weekend, I have opened a shop on Etsy. This opening also leads to a new shape as I work to move my artwork into a broader space. On the wheel, the piece must remain centered as it is opened and throughout the entire process for a piece with integrity to emerge. Pottery is an excellent metaphor for life as the same is very true for us as well. Center, open, transform, and keep coming round to the center for integral peace.