Introduction to ceramics

Pottery dates to very distant times, around 30,000 BC. This is when the first pieces were found, from this event, it expanded and evolved, first they were useful objects to be able to live, constructions, water transport, in hunts, in wars... and, little by little, they evolved into a form of artistic expression. It comes from the Greek keramos "Burnt Substance" or "Vessel of Earth".

Ceramics have been an important part of our history, evolving at the same time as people and providing us with emotional and very practical aspects. It is valuable for its durability, resistance to liquids or smells, as well as being sustainable. We define it as a set of objects that are created with clay of different qualities and types, which we mold and fire until we achieve a consistency and hardening of the material.

When we work with ceramics, we often do not realize how therapeutic it is, because it slows us down from anxiety and day-to-day stress, it calms us down. On the other hand, our expression and creativity are increasing in a very positive way, with which we appreciate our achievements and feel satisfied with ourselves. It makes us connect with our interior, with it we enhance our creative spirit as we have mentioned before, it immerses us looking for our personal style. We develop different skills: motor skills (fine motor skills), coordination and we wake up some that we thought we didn't have, or that we had asleep.

Other benefits it brings us is that we develop concentration, it allows us to focus on what we are creating at that moment. Also comment on how healthy it is to disconnect from technology for a while and create by us without pressing a button and having the result immediately but enjoying the whole process of creation. It is also a very healthy way to reduce our mental fatigue. Of course, highlight how ceramics connect us with history and our traditions. A fundamental part of our essence.

The fundamental thing about this art is that, by adapting the workshops, anyone of any age can benefit from it, children, young people, adults, the elderly, people with special needs... in the case of children it can be a method for them to learn to relax, in the case of young people it serves, among other things, to disconnect from the digital environment, as for the elderly, apart from being a physical and mental exercise, it means having to leave the house, meet people and, in short, Avoid isolation. Clay is an ideal material for therapy with people with special needs, its texture, manipulation and its multiple possibilities are very useful. With ceramics they practice concentration, fine motor skills, develop the senses, promote imagination, empathy and cooperation between colleagues.

According to the WHO, a very positive factor in combating mental health problems and promoting health is artistic expression, which is why it recommends introducing arts, crafts and art into our daily lives. It is more than proven that these activities are very effective for our well-being.

On the other hand, the WHO also tells us that art has a very positive influence on both physical and mental health. Its importance is highlighted in aspects such as:

It favours child development
It fosters health-promoting attitudes.
It prevents addictions and bad habits.
It promotes self-care.
The social determinants of health are very positive.

With all that we have mentioned, there is no doubt that ceramics is one more art that we should not forget. Currently, courses and workshops are being promoted that are increasingly in demand. In a society that advances at a dizzying pace, looking back at our roots is proof that we have not yet lost our cultural identity.

You can visit the article: Traditional parts, "BOTIJO" Pottery workshop.

You can see this video list: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsOF-18fzW42oZJY1yLW8Xt2fDrM4q6oS&si=3G7T-mrwqnqJ-5Km