2025 wrap up

A piece from the heart, without any AI (which I have no problem with, it's been hugely helpful this year but I think there's something important about practicing fumbling through words sometimes too)...

Shoh but what a year its been! A wrap up post feels kind of impossible to capture all the creativity and laughter that has graced our studio in these last 12 months. Reflecting on the year a bit I am just in awe by how much we've grown as a little studio and really just want to thank each of our students from the bottom of my heart for being on this journey with us. It takes courage to show up to your own creative practice. I see the juggling that has to happen for each person to arrive in the studio in tact. Life is crazy out there. I've even heard stories of husbands cheer leading partners out of the house, providing a coffee and being like 'Go- reset!' Sometimes its hard to get to the studio but one thing I think we can all agree on is once through the doors of Narnia that is the 196 building there's a magic that awaits. Things realign at the wheel, the clay pulls us back into shape as we sculpt. And the satisfaction when there's a freshly baked piece out the kiln is incomparable. Never mind the joy of living with these goodies in our homes. Or gifting what we've made to friends. It's wonderful to see and feel the benefits that clay brings.

And through the process of supporting peoples' creative practices we have managed to grow our small business from a 'one woman show' to a team of 7 (with quite a few side acts too) and I'm so proud. We now have on average about 100 students per term!

On a personal level I've taken a step back from my own production to focus on the growth of the studio and steering the ship in the right direction... and to spend more time with my daughter, Lyra. Its been wonderful to see how that focus has benefitted the studio space and helped us to create even more job opportunities. We've grown this year more than any other and even opened our new Clay Circle space - an independent makers space that I have dreamed about for so long. Lyra is also now old enough to be in the studio flow with us and I've loved seeing her creative side develop. I'm feeling a bit more stitched in to the evening classes again, its nice to get to know all the faces that come through our doors more. Lyra loves being in the studio and we love having her around. She made her first sculpture this year 'a fairy dancer in bed' and gave it to her dad for his birthday last week.

Juggling Lyra and studio life is a fine balancing act because both feel like they need my full time attention and there have had to be sacrifices to give the time necessary but when I look back on this year I can honestly say I feel very lucky to have such rewarding work. Ok enough gushing. On to what we did this year, no in chronological order because I have Dezemba brain: We took our wheels to the potters market for the first time, twice, and it was a joy. We will definitely do it again. You can read more on our blog here https://www.clayhands.co.za/post/potters-market-2025

Some students sold work for the first time at the market which was a lovely milestone to support.

We hosted Antoinette Badenhorst for a porcelain course that left us all inspired.

We connected with Joburg potters and built new friendships.

We formalised our apprenticeship programme and welcomed Sobaagh into the team.

We ran our first termly challenges and a Mad Hatters event with Hennie Meyer.

Wonder Walls is already taking shape for early next year.

Our April student showcase was a major highlight.

And of course Clay Circle opened, which changed everything in the best way.

Such a big thank you to our amazing team. It takes a lot to keep the studio ticking over and I am so grateful for every ounce of blood sweat and tears that goes into making the studio what it is. These humans are something really special!

Have a safe and wonderful festive season folks! Lots of love from Tash and the team :)