CLAY
There is something deeply profound about foraged clay. It taps into something ancient within us and connects us directly to earth and ancestors. The process of gathering, processing, making and firing the clay with fire is a very enriching and engaging activity. The results are a delight to use as paint palettes, inkwells, individual pots and as a base for beeswax candles among much else.
As the clay is only bisk fired and not glazed, it still remains porous. However we find this quality works really well as a container for watercolour paint as it is a paint that can be re-hydrated indefinitely.
For use as inkwells we cure the inside of the inkwell with beeswax and for watercolours, occasionally we also temporarily seal the fired surface with tree resins.
The clay also works really well as a holder for wax and these then become charming candles. There is something truly wonderful about the combination of a flickering flame of local beeswax in a clay holder from the riverbank.
When making clay vessels in longer workshops, we can facilitate participants to explore the idea of a vessel for holding paint, inks or candles. These vessels can become beautifully personal and make the whole experience much more meaningful.