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As I step into Tali Waterman’s studio, I often wonder who is happier to see me — Tali or Finley. The greeting from both dog and pottery instructor is equally genuine, a perfect mix of enthusiasm and anticipation.

ace hardware lincoln creek lumberI joined Tali’s pottery studio with no experience. I was so far below “beginner” status, I thought that the only option for making pottery was on the wheel. I had not even considered the vast options of hand building until I saw a classmate working on an intricate vase. And so began my sincere love of pottery, nurtured by Tali.

Inside Tali’s Studio

In her own words, Tali says that she “became serious about clay in 1977.” In 1982 she began teaching classes and opened her own studio in 2005. Her studio, nestled in a rural area just outside the Capitol State Forest, now supports her personal work, three classes weekly, and open studio time. About 24 students attend the classes.

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Tali Waterman adores her dog, Finley. She says that she specifically searched for a hypo-allergenic breed when deciding to add a dog that would be welcome in the pottery studio.

“I wanted to be able to support myself in clay and a strong component of that is teaching,” says Tali when discussing her decision to open her own studio.

Like myself, Tali says that many of her students come from day jobs that are very structured and focused. “Working with clay provides an alternative for people that spend time doing linear work,” she says. “Pottery can be a creative alternative for people whose primary focus in life is on something else.”

I was surprised to learn that many of my classmates have years of pottery experience and many even have their own studios at home. While this news was initially intimidating, I quickly discovered that it was simply not the case. “Classes provide a platform for people to get ideas from others, gather advice, see what other potters are making. Pottery classes provide a social outlet, as well,” Tali explains.

“I met Tali through another student,” shares Becky Ehrlich who has been in Tali’s classes for about three years. Becky has a full studio at home but wanted to work with the gas kiln and try different techniques. “I am way more creative here because everyone has great ideas that we build on. I see what other people create and then add my own version to the mix.”

Amy Boatright assists Tali Waterman load the kiln, in preparation for a firing.  Tali's dog, Finley, is in the mix.
Amy Boatright assists with loading the kiln in preparation for a firing. Tali’s dog, Finley, “helps.”

Amy Boatright, a student of Tali’s for about five years, agrees. “Being around other potters and seeing what they’re doing stirs my imagination and creativity. I might try to copy something someone else is making, but I know it won’t turn out exactly the same. I’ll put my own spin on it.”

Making Pottery

Gretchen Gacetta first met Tali when she visited the studio as a guest. “I was attracted to her classes because they are ongoing. I wanted to develop my skills as a ceramist with that sort of continuity,” she says.

During each class, Tali provides time for students to get settled, check on their current projects and casually socialize. People move about, set up a wheel or organize a glaze. Tali answers questions with ease and shares a bit about the day’s demo. Tali builds the demonstrations based on the interest of the students.

“I continuously read books and web posts on clay techniques, learn them myself and then teach the skills to others,” explains Tali who has a three-page list of all the skills that she has demonstrated in class.

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Tali Waterman’s pottery studio accommodates about eight students in each class. Photo courtesy: Tali Waterman.

She encourages those who are interested in that day’s demonstration to watch, ask questions, and try the technique. “This is a leisure class, not an academic program,” she says. “I want people to enjoy themselves and if that means working on something else while I do the demo, that’s fine.”

For Tali, making sure that everyone gets value from the class is critical. She provides “babysitting services” to make it easier for people to work on a piece periodically over a few weeks. She checks on works-in-progress by spraying them with water if necessary or helping them dry consistently.

Learning from Tali Waterman

Tali likes the challenge of encouraging her students’ creative sides. “I want to demonstrate to anyone that they are creative. With people who are really hesitant with a blob of clay, I provide bridges to learn the skills to implement a design and pretty soon that same student is making their own design.”

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Glazed work from about two dozen pottery students, as well as Tali Waterman’s own work, is pictured with flames from the gas kiln. Photo courtesy: Tali Waterman.

“Tali is creative, easy to be around and has a great personality that makes coming to class so enjoyable,” says Becky. “She just has this expansive knowledge about pottery. It’s really great to take advantage of her knowledge.”

Gretchen agrees, “Tali possesses more knowledge than she realizes. I am often picking up new ‘tricks’ even with mastered techniques.”

“Tali is a great instructor,” says Amy. “She’s so knowledgeable about throwing and hand-building and will do whatever she can to help people succeed. If you’re working on something and need to leave it for a week, she’ll keep an eye on it. If you’re not sure how to glaze a piece, she’ll help you figure it out. She doesn’t hover over you, but she’s always available when you need her.”

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A variety of wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques are taught in Tali Waterman’s pottery classes.

Tali Waterman’s pottery studio attracts a wide variety of people. “Students are from very different spokes of the wheel. They come from different political views, economic groups, and religious backgrounds, but in my studio they find a common thread.”

“When someone asks me about Tali’s studio, I always say that we are like a community, filled with really nice, caring, helpful, creative people. That means so much to me,” says Amy.

“What matters to me is that there are these cool and interesting human beings who come here to make pottery and I get to hang out with them,” Tali summarizes simply. “I am extremely lucky that I get to be here.”

To learn more about Tali Waterman and her pottery classes, click here.

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