Creating versus Making
Have you ever wondered what the difference was between “creating” and “making”? If you Google those two words you will get a myriad of different synonyms, making you sense that these two words are interchangeable. As a potter, you will often use the words “create” and “make” in the same context. Like their meanings are indistinguishable. While they are very similar, there are subtle differences between them.
Creating is about bringing something new or original to light. It’s primarily about your vision of this new piece. How do you want the piece to look? How do you want it to feel? Will it be smooth or will it have texture on the surface? What inspired your vision of this piece? Was it something you saw out in nature? Maybe a certain texture or color? Are your emotions driving this new piece? Are you simply wanting to try something new? Or, was it someone else’s artwork that inspired you?
Years ago, I took a trip to Seagrove, North Carolina. The Pottery Capital, they call it. There was potter after potter, all making beautiful things. I was surrounded by beautiful pieces. But then I noticed something. I got a sense that a lot of the pottery was essentially the same with a different glaze. It was like one potter had a vision and created a piece and the other potters followed suit, making their rendition of the same thing. A lot of the pottery was similar with a different name on the bottom. But there were subtle differences. Each potter still put their own take on the original piece. Something a little different that made it theirs. A little vision of their own after seeing the creation of another potter.
I do not always feel that I am “creative”, per se. Yes, I can create some pretty amazing pieces, but I feel as my vision very often comes from seeing someone else’s work. Working off of someone else’s vision. And there is nothing wrong with that. The piece I make would never be exactly the same as theirs. I likely use a different clay, different glazes and I may alter the shape or size of the piece, or create a different angle. And in the end, my piece ultimately came from my head. I still had a vision even though it was sparked by looking at someone else’s art. It’s more like I was “motivated” by their work and it made me feel as though I wanted to take their vision and create something similar.
When you create your pottery, stay mindful. Visualize how it will look in the end. Focus on how you felt when you had the vision of this pottery piece. Even if your first vision of it was prompted by someone else’s work. And while you’re working on this project, spend some time in quiet solitude to really think about how you want to shape the piece. Soft curves? Sharp angles? Will there be texture? Will it be smooth? Will it be a combination of textures? How will it feel in your hands? What colors will it be? Are you creating something for functional use or something visually aesthetic? Are you recreating your version of someone else’s work? And very importantly, how does this piece make you feel? How does it reflect you?
So now the alternative, making pottery. “Making” in pottery is the shaping and forming of the clay. It’s the physical, hands on process of crafting your vision into something tangible. This can be done while throwing on the pottery wheel or while hand building. It’s the ability to use your hands to form the clay into what you had envisioned while being totally present and immersed into the process.
When I am throwing mug after mug on the pottery wheel, even though it is very repetitive, I am still entirely engaged with my clay. I am in a rhythm. I am doing the same motions over and over. I find it rather therapeutic actually. And still, every mug does not turn out exactly the same, but that’s ok with me. I did not start with a specific vision of every mug. The curve may be a little different on each one. Some may have a higher shoulder, some may be bellied out wider than others, or kept more narrow at the rim. Each on an individual. But all of them came from my hands. When I am hand building from a slab of clay, I cut out numerous pieces of the same shape and lay them all out on a cement board table. Just seeing all the unformed slabs lined up, waiting for me to turn them into something beautiful gives me such a huge boost of motivation. When I am making items out of a slab of clay, I am generally using a pattern and some kind of form to make these pieces. This actually creates such a calm in me, knowing that all the pieces will be the same in the end. I love the look of numerous pieces of the same size and shape, all lined up perfectly on my shelf. All drying at the same time. This is so satisfying to me.
I tend to use Pinterest, a lot, to inspire and motivate me. I’m talking like thousands of pottery pins divided into numerous categories. It gives me so many different ideas. Sometimes I will combine a few different ideas. Sometimes I will change my entire plan in the midst of making a piece. But many of my pieces began by seeing someone else’s work. So whether you are “creating” or “making” pottery, it is still all from YOU. You made it, you developed it. You created it.
So again, when you’re creating, you are visualizing and planning. When you’re making, you are physically engaged and forming the project. These two words are the same, but they’re also different. The difference is where your focus is placed at the time. You can be focused on creating the concept of your pottery piece or you can be focused on the process of making the project.
I know, this all sounds pretty deep. You’re probably thinking, “can’t I just make some pottery?”. Yes, of course you can. I’m not saying you have to have all this figured out before you grab a piece of clay or start your wheel turning . Sometimes it’s ok to allow the clay to tell you what shape it’s going to be. The most important thing is to enjoy the process. Focus on every touch and motion. Tune out all distractions. Be gentle and patient with yourself, allowing the piece to take shape naturally. Whether you are creating or making, each stage allows you to connect with your clay. But don’t just “create and make.” Really experience the whole process. Really be present. Really feel your clay.
Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. Be kind to the Earth.
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