Avesha DeWolfe - Sea-Inspired Slab Pottery and the Joy of Clay

In this heartfelt episode, we journey into the world of slab-built pottery with Avesha DeWolfe of Spiral Tide Pottery. Originally from Maine, Avesha has been working with clay for 38 years, since her mother surprised her with a kick wheel class at age 10. After moving to Scotland in 2009, she experienced firsthand how essential creating with clay is to her wellbeing when she went without a studio for two years and, in her own words, became “a real grumpy person.”Avesha shares her transition from wheel throwing to slab building, a technique she discovered through necessity and has never looked back from. All of her work is inspired by the sea: from the textures created using special shells she’s collected, to her custom-developed glazes that evoke tide lines, waves, and the deep ocean. Her signature pieces include jingle-lid pots with shells that create a delicate sound, bringing “just a little bit more joy” to everyday life.“Clay is always in charge... Don’t get too comfortable!”As both a social worker and part-time potter, Avesha opens her online shop seasonally four times a year. She beautifully articulates how working with clay connects us to thousands of years of human history: “When you’ve got your hands and you’ve got your clay under your fingernails and everything, you’re connected to something that goes way, way back.”We explore the forgotten pottery heritage of Scotland, particularly Glasgow’s once-thriving ceramic industry, and discuss the differences between clay types, from rough earthenware to finicky porcelain. Avesha offers invaluable advice for beginners: don’t get too attached to your first pieces, follow the basic rules, and remember that “clay is always in charge.”This episode is a meditation on craft as self-care, the importance of staying flexible and playful in creative practice, and the timeless connection between human hands and earth.People & Places MentionedSandy Periantozzi - American slab building potter whose DVD class inspired Avesha to explore slab building techniquesEve Campbell - Textile artist based in Fife, Scotland, who runs textile and printing workshops that have caught Avesha’s interest for future creative explorationKettle’s Pottery Supply, Portobello - Scottish pottery supplier where Avesha sources her toasted stoneware clayThe Ceramics School - Online platform that invited Avesha to create an online workshop on making jingle-lid potsMonlithko Pottery (mentioned as Let’s Go Pottery) - Venue in Scotland where Avesha is planning an in-person workshop for January.Connect with Avesha DeWolfeBusiness Name: Spiral Tide PotteryWebsite: https://spiraltidepottery.comInstagram: @spiraltidepotteryShop Updates: Opens seasonally four times per year (last opening: First week of November, 1st-7th) - get in touch with Avesha to see if any stocks leftOnline Workshop: Link available on website for learning to make jingle-lid potsAs always: THANK YOU for listening to the podcast.I would love to know what you’re taking away from this episode.If you are a crafter in Scotland and would like to be a guest on this podcast, then please complete this short form - https://form.typeform.com/to/kUUWIPfRTo stay in touch and find out about upcoming guests then visit me over on Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/devinetoursofscotland/In case this inspires you not only to be more creative but also plan a creative holiday in Scotland and would like to find out more about craft days out or tours, then use the contact form via my website to get in touch: https://devinetoursofscotland.co.uk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit devinetoursofscotland.substack.com