He Took Some Clay And Breathed Life Into It

Sharkteeth and I joined a "sampler" pottery class sponsored by the Filipinas Heritage Library, a Filipiniana library under the Ayala Foundation, last April 12. It was presided by no less than Jon Pettyjohn, Philippines' renowned clay artist. There was a brief lecture on Philippine pottery followed by a workshop.

Sharkteeth was invited to use the wheel, and stage mother that I am, I went with her. Good thing I did because the moment her hands were dirtied by the clay, she started chanting, "I. WANT. TO. WASH. MY. HANDS! I. WANT. TO. WASH. MY. HANDS! I. WANT. TO. WASH. MY. HANDS! I. WANT. TO. WASH. MY. HANDS!" I gotta hand it to Mr Pettyjohn, who seemed unperturbed by Sharkteeth's whining; he even finished Sharkteeth's bowl for her. It was so tiring, as the clay was so heavy!

For those who want to learn pottery, you can go to The Pottery Workshop of the Pettyjohn-Mendoza School at the 4th floor of Glorietta 4, tel.: 812-0766, mobile: 0915-571-1160. Classes include basic hand building, slab making, coiling, wheel throwing, and glazing.

Note: This is not a paid advertising.