Limits and Repetition, Creativity and Refinement

Studies have shown that we perform better and feel happier with some limits. Absolute freedom means having to make choices constantly and this is stressful! Routines offer a kind of freedom from that stress. At the same time, things can get boring without some challenges and new ideas.

I’ve noticed that a few self imposed limits during the idea stage can make me more creative. I think more about what I’m making and how to go about it instead of falling into safety and boredom.

When I sit down to throw mugs, it’s easy to default into making the usual shape and size. This gets boring for me and for customers. On the other hand, making things differently every time doesn’t let me explore an idea deeply. Repetition helps me to refine shapes.

I need to make a bunch of work soon so I’ve started to explore some limits. What other shapes could you try? Different handles? What about texture-glaze always looks better over texture and you have a lot of new glaze combos! Additions in the glazing process? Clay combos? A new kind of ware-berry bowls?

Creative work needs balance. It requires both limits to constrain the process and make you think more deeply and repetition to help develop those new ideas and refine them.


We’ve been working hard to get the whole glaze chart completed. It’s not quite done but I’ll show you the finished manifestation in all it’s glory soon!


Classes will be starting in a couple of weeks so please click below for all the information!

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