There is something so exciting about using your hands to make things and I’ve always been attracted to the idea of building objects with clay and mud. The whole process seems so satisfying and rewarding. So, when I was invited by Yuup, the new Bristol experience marketplace, to a ceramics taster session, I got super excited.
On a Sunday afternoon, I joined a small group of would be potters. Two years ago, Alice, a bubbly self taught pottery artist, opened Trylla, her colourful clay emporium on North Street in Bristol where she offers groups as well as individual classes. We sat around wide trestle tables and put on bright aprons while Alice first explained the basics of clay and told us everything about Rhonda, her beloved kiln. Showing us some of her previous creations, Alice then invited us to unleash our creativity.
At first, I didn’t have a particularly clear idea of what I wanted to make, but as I started playing with shapes and texture the clay began to take form and I let my imagination guide me. The light was pouring in, illuminating our concentrated faces while the disco classics playlist made us nod and hum to its joyful beats.
Everyone came up with unique designs and some people decided to apply paint to them. I opted for a mix of colour and unpainted surfaces as I wanted to keep the natural rich ochres.
In the relaxed atmosphere of the studio, Alice and her colleague were super helpful and patient, and I didn’t see the time pass. I managed to create four ‘masterpieces’ that will be ready in a few weeks. I hope Rhonda will work her magic on them! I think I’m really hooked and would really like to try wheel throwing next time. Move along Demi…!
Massive thanks to Yuup and Ambitious PR for inviting me, and to Alice for a wonderful experience.
The visit was provided free of charge but all views are my own. Enjoy the experience for yourself by booking a session with Alice from Trylla on Yuup.
