CLAYTHERAPY!

40% of my work time is devoted to my studio sessions with adults, called CLAYTHERAPY, which has now been running for 21 years.

I have about 30 adults coming through the studio per week –some for 2.5 hours per week and some for up to 7.5 hours. A wide range of individuals come: old, young, men, women, professionals, hobbyists, company directors, accountants, gardeners, academics,  lecturers, teachers, creatives, less-creatives, artisans, designers: basically ordinary people who do extraordinary things. The amazing thing for me is that they take time out of their busy schedules to come to the studio and spend some time working with clay. The other amazing thing is how quickly they develop their own voices in the medium.

CLAYTHERAPY is a progressive space: non-sexist, non-ageist, non-racial, tolerant, LGBTI friendly, secular and very open minded. It is here that many people’s world views expand when they interact gently with others that they may never have encountered anywhere else in their lives, and the notions of each person’s humanity and innate creativity is celebrated. 

So often people come into the space bristling with stress and anxiety, only to leave at the end of the session with their calm restored and their immagination ignited.

We end each year with a now famous event called “One Night Stand” where we show work done through the year and raise money for some very worthwhile charities. It is always wonderful to see all the finished work together.

Although quite a number of now professional ceramicists started out in this space, it is the joy and unfolding creative confidence of “ordinary” people that really makes me proud.

There are a couple of spots open for next year. If you are interested in joining, send me a mail at louise@louisegelderblom.com and tell me a bit about yourself.

I also offer individual sessions that can be tailor-made to suit your specific interests. This is a way to spend a couple of hours while on holiday in Cape Town. Finished work can be sent to you worldwide.

“In a world that feels increasingly unstable, kneading a slab of clay with your hands is a great way to unplug and connect with the present moment. 

In a study published in Art Therapy last year, researchers found that levels of cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) decreased in 75% of participants who had engaged in artistic production. More recently, researchers in the UK conducted an inquiry into practice and research in the arts in the areas of health and social care. Among the many benefits discovered, the study showed that artmaking promoted speedy recovery after illness; helped alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress; and ultimately reduced spending on health and social services.

Since our fingertips contain some of the densest areas of nerve endings on the human body, simply playing with clay and stimulating the pressure points in our hands can have immense therapeutic benefits. Clay also provides a natural way to connect with body and breath—the malleability and immediacy of the material naturally integrates the mind-body connection, something much needed in our often hectic lives.

It isn’t hard to see its allure—in a world that feels increasingly unstable, kneading a slab of clay with your hands is a great way to unplug and connect with the present moment.”

For the Full Article Click Here

NEVER EAT ALONE AGAIN!

I recently made some open bowls for an exhibition at Africa Nova. My idea was that each bowl is a different guest to brighten your eating experience: from Birdman to Curly Girl and everyone in-between. 

If you would like a set of dinner guests, drop me a line. I can dress them up in the colours of your choice...but only next year! 6-8 week production time, delivery anywhere in the world where guests are needed.

AND IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING WHAT TO COOK FOR YOUR GUESTS...

My cookbook, EAT YOUR WORDS, will provide all the answers with stress free delicious recipes for all seasons.

Available from the studio, all good book sellers and online in South Africa here.