Discover the art of hand-built ceramics: How Old Peoples' Home for Teenagers keeps the tradition alive
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In the realm of art, ceramics holds a special place. This ancient craft, dating back to prehistoric times, has been a medium of expression for countless generations.
It's a tangible link to the past, a testament to human creativity and ingenuity, and a tradition that continues to be passed down through the ages.
The latest episode of ABC iview's Old People's Home for Teenagers focused on a heart-warming exchange of knowledge and skills between a ceramics master and a young art student.
It featured Sally Hill, a 91-year-old ceramics master who has worked with clay since she was 21. Despite her age, Sally's passion for ceramics remained undimmed. For her, clay is not just a medium—it's a companion, a challenge, and a refuge from the monotony of life.
‘Clay has a mind of its own, and it tends to challenge you,’ Sally stated. ‘As soon as I retired and was no longer able to go to work, ceramics became my escape from boredom.’
On the other side of the age spectrum is Eden, a 20-year-old art student eager to hone her sculpting skills and delve deeper into ceramics. Despite her initial apprehensions, Eden finds herself drawn to the tactile nature of clay and the meditative process of shaping it.
She shared: ‘I'm not sure yet what my favourite medium is or what kind of art I want to make, but I was worried that I wouldn't be good at ceramics. My experience with this medium has not been very successful in the past!’
Under Sally's patient guidance, Eden learns to make pinch pots, a basic yet versatile form of hand-built ceramics.
‘It was so much fun making the pinch pots with Sally. I gained a lot of knowledge and wisdom from her about working with the materials. I really hope Sally feels like her expertise and wisdom is respected and valued,’ Eden expressed.
Meanwhile, Sally described the experience, ‘It can take years to become good at working with ceramics. I think Eden was an excellent student. She accomplished things that I found difficult at the start of my ceramics journey.’
This intergenerational exchange is more than just a transfer of skills; it's a celebration of shared creativity and a poignant reminder of the wisdom and value our elders bring to our lives.
Sally continued, ‘I enjoyed it immensely to watch Eden achieve and learn while making pinch pots. I think sometimes young people are undervalued. I would love people to realise that we've all been there ourselves and to be more generous with their attitudes towards young people.’
The encounter between Sally and Eden highlighted the potential for art to bridge the gap between generations. Despite their age difference, they find common ground in their love for art.
‘There can be a disconnect between generations at times,’ Eden pointed out. ‘It can also be hard to communicate and connect with each other because we're on such different wavelengths.’
She added, ‘Learning the detail of an art practice like ceramics can help ease that disconnect.’
Sally taught Eden different techniques for ceramic making and demonstrated the step-by-step process of the art of pinch pots.
‘Growing old means different things to different people. As far as I'm concerned, it allows me to be more confident in whatever I do,’ Sally declared.
In the end, Eden admitted, ‘Being able to hear the advice and wisdom of an older person like Sally, and to see and experience her incredible skill with ceramics, is such a gift.’
You can watch Sally and Eden’s exchange here:
What are your thoughts on this unique intergenerational exchange? Have you ever tried your hand at ceramics? Share your experiences in the comments below.
It's a tangible link to the past, a testament to human creativity and ingenuity, and a tradition that continues to be passed down through the ages.
The latest episode of ABC iview's Old People's Home for Teenagers focused on a heart-warming exchange of knowledge and skills between a ceramics master and a young art student.
It featured Sally Hill, a 91-year-old ceramics master who has worked with clay since she was 21. Despite her age, Sally's passion for ceramics remained undimmed. For her, clay is not just a medium—it's a companion, a challenge, and a refuge from the monotony of life.
‘Clay has a mind of its own, and it tends to challenge you,’ Sally stated. ‘As soon as I retired and was no longer able to go to work, ceramics became my escape from boredom.’
The latest episode of ABC iview's Old People's Home for Teenagers focused on an exchange between a ceramics master and a young art student. Credit: Earl Wilcox/Unsplash
On the other side of the age spectrum is Eden, a 20-year-old art student eager to hone her sculpting skills and delve deeper into ceramics. Despite her initial apprehensions, Eden finds herself drawn to the tactile nature of clay and the meditative process of shaping it.
She shared: ‘I'm not sure yet what my favourite medium is or what kind of art I want to make, but I was worried that I wouldn't be good at ceramics. My experience with this medium has not been very successful in the past!’
Under Sally's patient guidance, Eden learns to make pinch pots, a basic yet versatile form of hand-built ceramics.
‘It was so much fun making the pinch pots with Sally. I gained a lot of knowledge and wisdom from her about working with the materials. I really hope Sally feels like her expertise and wisdom is respected and valued,’ Eden expressed.
Meanwhile, Sally described the experience, ‘It can take years to become good at working with ceramics. I think Eden was an excellent student. She accomplished things that I found difficult at the start of my ceramics journey.’
This intergenerational exchange is more than just a transfer of skills; it's a celebration of shared creativity and a poignant reminder of the wisdom and value our elders bring to our lives.
Sally continued, ‘I enjoyed it immensely to watch Eden achieve and learn while making pinch pots. I think sometimes young people are undervalued. I would love people to realise that we've all been there ourselves and to be more generous with their attitudes towards young people.’
The encounter between Sally and Eden highlighted the potential for art to bridge the gap between generations. Despite their age difference, they find common ground in their love for art.
‘There can be a disconnect between generations at times,’ Eden pointed out. ‘It can also be hard to communicate and connect with each other because we're on such different wavelengths.’
She added, ‘Learning the detail of an art practice like ceramics can help ease that disconnect.’
Sally taught Eden different techniques for ceramic making and demonstrated the step-by-step process of the art of pinch pots.
‘Growing old means different things to different people. As far as I'm concerned, it allows me to be more confident in whatever I do,’ Sally declared.
In the end, Eden admitted, ‘Being able to hear the advice and wisdom of an older person like Sally, and to see and experience her incredible skill with ceramics, is such a gift.’
You can watch Sally and Eden’s exchange here:
What are your thoughts on this unique intergenerational exchange? Have you ever tried your hand at ceramics? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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