Oh Jeanne, what can we say? What an incredibly kind, curious, and thoughtful person you are, and we’re so glad to have you in the studio. Jeanne took a handbuilding class in March 2024, and joined as a member of our studio soon after. There aren’t many days you come in and don’t see her working on projects in the studio. Here she shares with us her thoughts on what clay has to teach us, and her 100 mug project.

What's your name and age, and how long have you been working with clay?

My name is Jeanne Horst, and I’m 66 years old. This spring, March 2024, I got back into clay when the FCCAC opened its doors. I enrolled in Ros’ first hand-building class and became hooked on it. After one or two classes, I applied to become a member.

What got you started working with clay?

I’ve always been drawn to clay and the beauty of hand-made pottery. I love the look of it, but also the fact that the clay comes from the earth and then is touched or shaped by human hands. The symbolism of the various transformations that occur throughout the process is meaningful to me – the forming by hand and the transformation of firing feels symbolic of nature and our lives.

I took wheel classes back in 2004 to about 2008, but stopped as I focused on career and family. After becoming far too immersed in work and responsibilities, this spring I made the decision to retire, and gave six months notice. If you’ve ever given six months notice at a job – it ain’t fun! In that six month state of limbo, I started dreaming. A work colleague who lives in the Bronx, NY had enrolled in pottery classes. That day I Googled “pottery classes near me” and the Friendly City Clay and Art Center popped up. (Thank you, Google!) I enrolled in Ros’ class that day and haven’t looked back.

What projects are you currently working on?

I love the beauty of wheel thrown pottery. The symmetry of wheel throwing, however, was hard for me. I want to use left-handedness as an excuse, but I’ve since met quite successful left-handed potters at FCCAC (looking at you, Bri Copeland!), so we’ll rule that out as an excuse. Through Ros’ class, I discovered the joys of hand-building.

Hand-building did not come easy for me, either. However, I loved the feel of the clay, the “blank slate” when starting a project, the process of shaping the clay, and the various stages of transformation. I loved the atmosphere of the class and the people who were attracted to clay.

The first project in the hand-building class was to make slab-built mugs. As with wheel throwing, this did not come easily to me. I told my cousin that I was trying to learn how to make hand-built mugs. Although I might not be accurately capturing it, he said something to the effect of “well, in some cultures when learning to make cups you throw away the first 100.” At the time, I laughed but later thought to myself that if I could make 100 mugs, I might be able to make a nice mug by the time I got to the 100th. If I’m not happy with my mugs after 100, then I either need to do some serious self-reflection or move onto something else.

That started the journey of 100 mugs. At this point, I’ve made 56 mugs or mug-like vessels (e.g., cups, coffee pour overs, travel mugs, etc.). With each mug, I think I learn something new. However, looking back at my earliest mugs, my current mugs are not that much better than the first ones. They’re a little more refined, but I’m still working on getting the handles attached in an aesthetically-pleasing way, and refining the shape of the bottom and the thickness of the mug. Perhaps the process is telling me just as much about self-acceptance and letting go of perfection than it is about mug-making.

What are your favorite things to make?

I’m not sure that I have a favorite thing that I like to make yet. Mugs are fun and practical. It’s something that many of us use every day, so it’s fulfilling to make something functional. However, in class we recently learned how to make pinch pots. After making so many mugs over the past few months, the ability to pinch clay to form a sphere or orb shaped object and then transform it into a vase or animal or anything was mind-expanding and refreshing. Pinch pot sphere-shaped objects might be my current favorite, but it’s really hard to pick.

What made you decide to become a member at Friendly City Clay?

I decided to become a member for so many reasons – both tangible and intangible. Tangibly, the physical space at FCCAC is welcoming and a space I find myself longing to be when not there. I want to hone my skills at pottery and a membership provides the space and materials to do so. Intangibly, it has been important to my transition from long work hours to retirement. The ability to have artistic expression after years of teaching and research has been a much-needed change. Some days I pinch myself in awe of the fact that this is possible. And, finally, I love the people – there’s something special about those drawn to clay.

Although a member, I’ve still enrolled in classes to help with learning skills and to enjoy the camaraderie of working with others. Starting at the novice level, the combination of classes and then later practicing what is learned in class has been helpful. Other members come with the skills or experience to start more independently. However, if you’re looking for some guidance, the classes are great.

What would you say to someone who's just starting out with clay?

Enter into it with a sense of openness and adventure. It’s fun, and it’s also a process. The clay goes through a process and we go through a process. I feel like it brings out whatever a person needs. The clay has a temperament, because it is sensitive to moisture and being worked with. Things don’t always go the way we think they will when we start a project. Being flexible with yourself and the clay is key. In my case, I need to work on self-criticism, frustrated perfectionism, low confidence, and letting go. The clay provides an outlet to work on all of these. I have a suspicion that it meets any of us where we are.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There is more than clay available at FCCAC. Dabbling in drawing and watercolor workshops has been life-enriching. It’s a great way to try out things without much investment. The workshops are often on a Saturday afternoon, so it’s a fun way to spend a few hours and learn something new.

The FCCAC has filled a much-needed space in the Harrisonburg community. I am deeply grateful.