Studies have shown that art and creativity can have a positive impact on the lives of individuals with Autism.
Autism art therapy has been found to improve social interaction, communication skills and sensory integration, also enhance hand eye coordination and fine motor skills. Engaging in art therapy can reduce stress, improve mood and overall well being. Most importantly, it can provide a sense of accomplishment.
It’s nothing short of a miracle that we are here today, beginning our journey into the world of the small town/small business/small studio. That’s how we always started anything with my daughter, Catherine, with small steps.
At 22, she has beyond exceeded any expectations or goals that we set for her when she was diagnosed with Autism at the tender age of 5.
“Teach her life skills like how to brush her hair or tie her shoes”. We waited 9 months to see the number one pediatric neurologists in the nation for him to visit with her for an hour, only to hear those words come out of his mouth as he diagnosed her as being mentally challenged and Autistic.
The ride home was filled with kids giggling in the backseat while I tried to quietly process the reality of what was so abruptly laid out in the short time we were there. I thought all the way home about what life skills actually were, only to come up with the conclusion that the number one pediatric neurologist in the nation obviously had no idea who he was talking to …….Challenge Accepted!
That summer, she learned to jump rope and tie her shoes. A few months later she rode a bike. Although school was difficult, she graduated with friends and an amazing education thanks to her wonderful teachers and aides.
Fast forward to 22: Catherine is a fully functioning asset to society with a part time job for a popular television show that airs on Magnolia Network,pottery girl boss, she has a patient loving boyfriend (who is not on the spectrum) and they share a beautiful life together.
Was it all easy? Whose life is?
So, here we are, fierce advocates of individuals with developmental disabilities and those on the autism spectrum, also lovers of all things clay.
Largest piece I’ve sculpted so far. Left it on the shelf to be certain it was bone dry then returning to the studio some time this month to bisque fire it.
Hi! I was just wondering if you had any advice for working with glazes? I’ve recently started working with porcelain instead of stoneware/earthenware, and I’m trying to learn about glazes for all of them but I’m finding it so difficult 😭😭
(also your work is beautiful I’m so in love with it, what I wouldn’t give for a fraction of your talent-)
Hey ! Thanks so much!
I'd say start with a lot of tests and commercial glazes. Just make little test tiles and work out which glazes fit with which clay bodies. Document all your tests methodically with firing schedules, vary bisque cones (06>04 can make a huge difference), vary application (brush, dip, spray, layer).
I have a few blog posts on my website about underglazes and overglazes, not glazes yet but it's definitely going to be the next piece I write.
I had a busy day in my pottery studio, Ayaki Ceramics, but I always make time for tea, especially matcha tea. I'm currently working on a custom order for a client that requires a slightly asymmetrical shape.