The Clear Space team rang in the new year in a decidedly low-tech way, ditching screens and deadlines for clay and creativity at Hamilton Craft Studios. The group spent a day at the community-focused makerspace learning the basics of working with clay—from simple hand-modelling techniques to the thrill of throwing pieces on the pottery wheel.

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Hamilton Craft Studios is a shared creative studio in downtown Hamilton that offers makers of all levels access to workspace, tools, and classes spanning ceramics, woodworking, textiles, and more. The studio’s mission is to support artistic exploration and skill building in a welcoming, community-oriented environment.

The CS crew jumped straight into the tactile world of clay, guided through fundamentals that had them shaping and centring clay with their own hands. Wheel throwing quickly became the highlight—a rhythm of focus and balance, punctuated by the occasional splatter of clay, and more than one cheerful do-over.

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The day fostered collaboration and connection, giving everyone a chance to slip into a creative flow state together. We laughed, shared challenges, and reminded ourselves of the value of slowing down and making things by hand—while also confirming that, pottery ambitions aside, it’s probably wise that we all stick to our day jobs as designers. 🥴