Clay Self-Portrait Light/Dark

Join in a healing clay workshop to experiment with the ideas about self-identity while learning basics of ceramic sculpting on Saturday May 24, 2025 at 12-16 in Penningweg 91, Zaandam.

During the friendly and inspiring session you will make one or two art pieces of clay that depict views to yourself in light or in dark, a happy day or a rainy day. The style can be realistic or abstract. You are the artist.

Teacher is ceramic artist Sanna Pöyhönen, whose series "the Great Ladies" started while she was healing from a severe burnout a few years ago. The series was a beginning of her journey from a corporate world to an artist and creative enterpreneur. It also turned out to be a study of Goddess archetypes which Sanna later learned. When we are honestly facing the pain in ourselves, we might also find there our divine powers.

The course starts with Sanna's story about her burn out recovery with the help of artistic expression. We discuss also about the self-portrait in art, and its importance in both artistic and individual growth. Seeing ourselves clearly enables us to live honestly and in peace with others.

Throughout the art history self-portraits have also been a mean to tell a story about the artist: either for advertising or manifesting her/his artistic mission. While the clay transforms into a ceramic art piece in the process of sculpting, drying, firing and glazing, the creator also goes through a change in her own mindset. The versatility of clay invites you to search your own path while respecting the surprises on a way – sometimes delightful ones, sometimes incidents you need to adapt to.

The course suits both for beginners and more advanced ceramics students. In the beginning, we will go through the basic hand-building techniques.

Small group size 4-8 persons, prices include materials, tools and firing service. More info via email ainoaoffice@gmail.com. Ask also about private workshops.