Pottery goes back to the beginning of humanity, said artist and teacher Heather Topp.
She said working with natural materials like clay bond us to the earth.
Topp is offering pottery courses for beginners that start with the basics of working with clay. The course is offered Wednesday evenings starting Jan. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. Fees are $125 which includes materials.
“We use a hand building technique in this course. I introduce students to the medium of clay. Clay is very cool. It's basic. It's the earth,” Topp said. She has been teaching pottery classes for over 10 years.
She said you can find out a lot about a culture through their pottery.
“Clay ties you in with your ancestors. They would pick clay up in their hands and make it into a bowl.”
Topp uses a slab roller machine for her students.
“I use a giant rolling machine or press that rolls the clay flat. When it hardens you can cut it to make boxes for example.” Trays, masks and ornamental pieces can also be constructed to adorn a wall or table, she said.
A mix of people attend her classes, and she only takes seven students at a time. If the class fills, she keeps a list of interested persons for her next set of classes.
“I will be holding classes again in April.”
To register, phone 674-5166.
