As we said our goodbyes, gave each other tight hugs and set our sights towards home, I couldn’t help but feel that I had gotten to be a part of something really special. Women Working With Clay Symposium was way beyond anything I could have imagined. The ease with which the participants, volunteers, organizers and presenters, seamlessly blended together to form a vibrant, supportive community, the friendships we forged over our mutual love for clay, the conversations shared over delicious meals, all seemed unique to this symposium. I arrived with the notion of sharing my process but I went back enriched with deep, meaningful connections and a treasure trove of sweet memories!
While demonstrating in tandem with Osa, I was blown away by our chemistry, compatiblity and complimentarity in working styles and ideologies, an experience echoed by the sculpting co-presenters, Crystal and Andrea. If this was not magical enough, the absolute icing on the cake was the friendships that blossomed between Osa, Andrea, Crystal, Dara and me. At the end of each day we found ourselves rushing to our shared suite to put our feet up and chat endlessly over bags of popcorns and chocolates. Conversations flowed effortlessly, invariably continuing late into the night, leaving us bleary eyed but immensely happy. We talked about tarantulas to motherhood and everything in between I am deeply grateful to have had this opportunity to work, live and learn alongside these amazing women. Thank you Donna and Dara for believing in me and inviting me to be a part of this beautiful event. If I was to sum up the experience in one line, it felt like one big hug!
