Tuesday 14 July 2009

Clay Therapy

I can't believe it's been three weeks already since I last worked on some clay at home, and hence, nearly three weeks since I last posted! I've been struggling to find the time to get my clay out, or rather, struggling to make the time. But that will have to change - doctors orders!

I reported last time (in my blog and to my counsellor) how relaxed I felt when I was stranded at home, and this allowed me to (allow myself to) find the time to get my clay out. My counsellor feels that this is a major breakthrough in finding a way for me to manage my depression and anxiety levels. She has advised that I regularly take a few days off from life, and stay at home and get my clay out.

Now if only I could find a way to switch to "holiday mode" without it being forced on me by a broken down car or being snowed in! - That's the tricky part! This week I was supposed to take Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday "off". I must admit, I have struggled. I ended up going out for some shopping yesterday, but I have managed to get my clay out this evening.

There isn't much to report on the clay front yet. I've started on another vase, similar to the last one but I'd like to make it much taller. I'm just allowing it to "set up" a little while I type this, so that I can then add more coils.

In other news
Clay classes have finished for the summer. I didn't get to bring home Reeses, the bunny that Leanne made, although he is all glazed and finished now and looking beautiful! But he will be kept safe throughout the summer, ready for me to collect in September when classes start again.

Also, I didn't have time to glaze my new vases either. We missed a couple of classes because the tutor had a death in his family. Having to wait to glaze a few pieces seems rather trivial in comparison.

And I offered my Tree Fairy vase as a home warming present to my sister in law, but she didn't like it! She's not as completely ungrateful as I have made her sound! I kind of knew that this was a piece that she would either love or hate, so I asked her to be completely honest with me. She loved the leaves and the flowers, but the face scared her! So she is now patiently waiting for another vase that is more suited to her taste, perhaps one of the recent ones, or the one I am making today, depending on how it comes out.

5 comments:

cynthia said...

One of the healthiest things I have done recently was going on vacation and being unplugged. I had no idea what was happening in the world and while semi self imposed - it was bliss not being able to sign onto a computer.

We often tell ourselves that we have to do this or that - stay current in my case - but isn't it lovely to be stranded with all the outside world shut out? Clay is therapeutic, it's one of the reasons I chose to work with it years ago.

So disappointing your sil didn't like your vase, but very gracious of you to allow her to say so.

Undaunted said...

Thank you Cynthia, and thank you for your advice in your blog comments too, regarding the unfinished pieces.

I can't really get away on holiday in my current situation, so it's a case of trying to find a way to switch off mentally. But the last three days have ended up being more stressful than usual!

Angela Finney said...

Hope you find a way to strand yourself regularly, Linda. I know it can be hard. But you do deserve it -- pick a time -- don't answer the phone or do any housework, errands, etc.!

Kathy L said...

Linda

I know it has been a while, but I am glad to see that the clay is still being transformed into lovely vases. I really enjoy your words and art so keep them coming. You are an inspiration.

k

Undaunted said...

Thank you so much Angela and Kathy for your lovely comments :)

It has been difficult, but I'm determined to make clay time for myself!