Soaking mud, sieving it through screens, draining excess water, mixing in volcanic ash with bare feet - each step is time consuming and laborious. People unaware are surprised by all that is involved in clay work. Every finished piece holds a history of culture and time, and of constant, caring attention. The hours invested preparing the gathered mud are important for readying pliable clay and for preparing myself for the creative process. The simple act of doing opens creative channels.
Time is measured only by the sifted buckets of volcanic ash.
I sieve long enough in one place that ants march freely across my feet. Unharried work opens my mind to imagination. Unspoken ties connecting me to clay strengthen and clear a path for thoughtful awareness of my surrounding. Birds call to one another from across an open field. I stop to listen to their hellos, and I am impressed by the multitudes of life cycles thriving continuously on just an ordinary day.