I've always loved the feel and transformative nature of clay. When I discovered the piles and ponds filled to the brim with rich, silvery grey clay deposits, I became glued to the land. My imagination exploded with possibilities.
Clay is so versatile, and also very involved. Feeling daunted by the arduous process of soaking, filtering, etc, I discovered how the clay could be rendered from it's raw form into something functional, and beautiful.
After much trial and error, (mostly pieces exploding in the fire due to water ratio or the presence of organic material) I found that as long as I remove the larger particles, maintain the right density, and compact the clay while sculpting, it would survive the process.
The crafts that have become my staple pieces are beads (just make a ball and shove a hole through it), diyas (clay lamps for offering light), pendants (formed in a variety of mooncake presses), and small vessels like pinchpots, teacups, and sprouting dishes.
The time will come when I will be ready to process clay to a degree of purity that will allow for larger vessels like pots for water or cooking, bowls and plates for serving, and customized pieces to use in the construction of stoves and mass heaters.