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Creativity strikes in various forms and some people test their skills to different levels. Making art derives from inspiration, personal visions and personal input. There are many ways to create art, and pottery is a unique form of art that is growing in El Paso.
According to an article by Deneen Pottery, ceramic objects have been dated as far back as 29,000 BC and since clay is found nearly anywhere, early humans had access to the material allowing them to mold and shape anything they witnessed around them. Early humans discovered heating these objects transformed them into long lasting material that we all know and use today such as bowls, plates, or even human statuettes.
Because of its utilitarian purpose, pottery has developed into so much more than just functional ceramic items. The ancient art practice is being re-emerged and is a natural response to single-use objects that typically get tossed in the trash. The significance behind pottery is how natural it is. Clay comes from the earth and most importantly is recyclable and sustainable.
Owner of Honeycomb Pottery Minnie Burke is bringing exciting art endeavors to the borderland with pottery classes that are open to the public. Honeycomb Pottery is a one-woman-business that is open to any individual who is looking to explore their creative vision through ceramics.
“This is a space where you can be comfortable and be yourself,” Burke said. “If you’re more of a hands-on learner or needs visual instruction, that is my strength.”
What sets Burke’s business apart from others is that she takes the time to guide students with detailed and assisted instruction. For many learning at one speed can come off intimidating but at Honeycomb Pottery, Burke ensures to assist students at a comfortable pace.
Majoring in ceramics, UTEP student Aaron Noble Eskridge explains how he express himself through pottery.
“I had more creative freedom, it also was related to my interest in 3D sculpture from Renaissance to Baroque styles and just the idea of feeling the surface of the relief with my hands,” Eskridge said. “My best work is through my carving and manipulation of clay to build a narrative that tells a story or an idea that starts from an idea or a sketch from my notebooks.”
Eskridge explains how UTEP professors Dina Perlasca and Vince Burke played a great role in helping him further pursue his creative endeavors.
“My professor was also one of the reasons that got me into pursuing my career when they said that they could see that this was something I was passionate about and that there was always something new to try and freedom to experiment in any way I see,” Eskridge said. “Their stories and explanations about ceramics are comprehensive, but they are a close community that helps each other through each one’s experience.”
Handmade pottery enriches everyday objects with purpose and beauty and gives it more meaning than buying from a store. Pottery is an art of a thousand variables, making every product unique. Creating eclectic crafts like ceramics allows humans to disconnect from reality and focus on the clay that is in front of them.
Honeycomb Pottery is welcome to anybody who is interested in flourishing a potential career path with ceramics or those who are eager to make an idea into something real. Burke offers beginner classes for $35 but is expected to rise due to materials costing more.
Honeycomb Pottery is located on 1003 Wyoming Ave. To make an appointment contact Burke visa Instagram @thehoneycomb915.
Marco Hinojosa is the audience and engagement editor and may be reached at [email protected].
