Ceramics and Wellbeing by Vivien Phelan and Ruty Benjamini
Working with clay is not just about creating beautiful things. It is also amazingly therapeutic. It combines psychology and the creative process, which in turn promotes emotional, mental, and sometimes physical well being.
The tactile nature of clay provides a unique sensory experience that can alleviate stress and help us unwind.
When we put our hands into wet malleable clay, our attention focuses solely on the sensation and rhythm of our movements. This experience allows us to temporarily disconnect from the overload and endless tasks of daily life, reducing stress hormones whilst promoting a sense of well-being.
We are taken back to childhood memories, of playing with mud and play dough
In an increasingly digital and non-physical world, having something tactile to interact with can be incredibly comforting and grounding.
Working with clay enhances the creative process, which in turn stimulates the imagination, boosts creative thinking, motor skills, and improves hand eye co-ordination.
There are also cognitive benefits as making something with clay requires planning, thinking and problem solving.
Working on a clay project is exciting and gives a boost to self esteem and a sense of purpose which contributes to holistic well-being.
A study conducted by a Hong-Kong art psychotherapist found that in depressed patients, those who were taking clay art therapy (CAT) had lower levels of depression as well as having improved emotional regulation and holistic well being.(Effects of Clay Art Therapy on Adult Outpatients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial by Joshua Nan and Rainbow Tin Hung Ho)
Ceramics has become very popular since the launch of The Great Pottery Throw Down in 2015 (on BBC, and later on Chanel 4 ) which raised awareness of the therapeutic benefits it can bring. This interest increased massively, during the pandemic. People had something to do during lock down and they got involved in the community around arts and crafts.
Ruty says: "I worked for many years as a ceramic tutor in community education, where I taught adults, families, and adults with special needs. I also taught pottery to the elderly in a residential home where my students lived with various physical and mental conditions, including dementia. It was very moving and uplifting to experience hands on, the incredible effects of working with clay on mental health.
"The pottery classes were very therapeutic and were sometimes referred to jokingly as “therapy sessions”. Learners sat together around a table creating with clay and chatting. They often opened up and shared their experiences and problems. Creating a successful fired ceramic object gave the students a great sense of achievement and a boost to their self esteem."
At Skylark Galleries in the physical gallery in Gabriel's Wharf London SE1 9PP we have six ceramic artists, two of whom, Ruty & Viv, have written this blog.
