“If love is destined to become unforgettable, accidents must flock to it from the very first minute.” – Milan Kundera

Milan Kundera, a truly remarkable writer, possessed a profound understanding of love and more. I highly recommend delving into his collection of stories, “Funny Loves.” But now, let’s talk about love.

Discussing love for ceramics and the like would be too cliché, while tackling the concept of universal love would prove too daunting. Instead, I’d like to focus on self-love, with ceramics as a vehicle for its expression. It has become evident that mastering the art of self-love is a skill that must be learned and practiced, continuously honed.

The path to self-love may take various forms, perhaps even through the medium of clay. What matters most is allowing the process to unfold organically. In my personal journey, I found myself encountering a multitude of serendipitous moments intertwined with clay. These experiences were delightful and awe-inspiring, leaving an indelible mark on my story.

Ceramics, simultaneously challenging and gratifying, demands physical, moral, and intellectual endurance. Accepting things as they are becomes an integral part of the journey. Respecting the material and adhering to the laws of physics leaves no room for ignorance and unforgiving of mistakes. Yet, it forgives those mistakes and cherishes the invaluable experience that comes with each iteration.

To truly love something or someone, one must know it intimately and accept it as it is. Through clay, I discovered an extraordinary facet of myself—one that I embraced and loved in its entirety. It is crucial to recognize oneself in various situations: the somber, the comical, the complex, the vibrant, the fearful, and the sensual.

Let these experiences happen and reveal themselves, shaping and refining our very essence. They serve as teachers, paving the way for our next steps. With every stride, a path emerges beneath our feet, beckoning us forward.

I eagerly continue my journey, anticipating new and exciting events that lie ahead.