Valerie Schoenjahn
in interview…
Q: In what circumstances did you start pottery?
A: I started pottery after having my first baby. He was 5 weeks old I think, and I really needed a reason to leave the house and do something for myself for a couple of hours a week. I struggled settling in as a mother, and the creative expression in clay helped me find a link back to myself, which I have held onto since then.
Q: Wheel throwing or hand building?
A: I have a strict 'no rules apply' when it comes to working with clay. I am very irresponsible, mixing different techniques, dabbling, and finding my own way. I like to be process driven and to experiment. My work is mostly non-functional and I think my playful approach shines through in my sculptures.
Q: What is the best thing about making pottery?
A: To me, the best thing about making pottery is that direct connection of my head to my hands, and my hands into a bit of earth. Working with clay is real and immediate. My thoughts become actions that create forms. It is very satisfying, especially in our current environmental and political context, where we understand the scale of many things, but feel unable to change any of them.
Q: What do you like most at PSP?
A: The diverse community of members is what really draws me to PSP. I really enjoy the network of different people coming together, being passionate about the same thing. Whether you are 25 and just starting out, or 75 and have been potting most of your life, there is common ground and stories to share, which I find so interesting and valuable.