Glazing the LOVE collection + talking about feeling stressed

[@dudley8671]

Gentle advice from this 60 year old artist: I believe, you *are* an artist my friend. ❤ Calder practice not thinking. *Just be.* It is very difficult to master. You must find your own method to "still (quiet) your mind." Do not think about your speed or items finished, focus only on what is in front of you. When you are able to create only thinking about your process, you will find the magic of what it is to be an artist.

[@anneshome]

Yeah, I think that's a very nice and empowering experience, words like precence and concentration, freedom comes to my mind. Flow.

[@caldervanandel]

Thank you so much!! That is beautiful advice, I really appreciate it! I'll do my best to just be! I feel like it's easier when I'm around other people, but it's quite difficult when I'm alone.

[@cariadwales1979]

Always work at your own pace. There is no rule as to how fast or how much you should make. If you put pressure on yourself you could be supressing your creativity or rushing could lower your accuracy.. Pottery is a great therapy and its good to switch off other things and just envelop yourself in what you're doing. I make a list of what I'd like to make and just tick them off when Ive made it but done at my own pace.Just be happy working in a way that makes you happy.

[@caldervanandel]

That is some great advice! Thank you very much🥰

[@moonbread2334]

I really relate to having a hard time taking things slow. I learned recently that if we're not used to relaxing, then our body sees relaxing as a threat when we try to do it, and that creates a stress response in our body. So I take that as a sign to push myself even harder to relax, like you said...I think it's truly something that takes practice (also because our society doesn't really value it, so it makes sense that it makes us nervous)! I especially struggle with this in the ceramics studio!! I don't know why I always get into such a frenzy when I'm there, like my body is buzzing with electricity or something. So I've been trying to force myself to move slowly in all my different steps, and take frequent breaks to go outside and just breathe slowly :)

[@caldervanandel]

Thank you so much for your reaction! It really is difficult to relax sometimes, and especially to relax your mind while relaxing. I didn't know the word 'frenzy' jet, but that is the right word to describe it! I have the exact same thing when being in the studio. It really isn't necessary, but it is a struggle. Taking breaks and working slowly must help us :)

[@freedomstaying-free8162]

Calder, you are so incredibly talented & you inspire me to listen to "my" inner voice when creating. Everyone has days like you describe in this video. We get out of balance like a wobbly tire. It's ok, it's part of life. But here's a "Mantra" that helps me on days like that & I hope you'll find it helpful to: "I release my expectations & embrace infinite, "POSITIVE" possibilities. ❤

[@caldervanandel]

Thank you so much!! That's a beautiful mantra🥰

[@malcolm7436]

Such a cute collection. Trust the process, because you are very talented and people will be interested to watch and hear from you. :)

[@caldervanandel]

Thank you so much!!🥰🥰

[@janlewis9099]

A great collection my favourite is the heart with the lines all over.❤

[@caldervanandel]

Thank you so much!!🥰

[@trentgay3437]

They make a green tape for painting that is specifically for stopping bleeding under. I think it has a gelling agent that stops the moisture from wicking under.

[@caldervanandel]

I'll see if I can use that for my next collection :))

[@marcydelbick5772]

Your work is beautiful and your comments absolutely make sense. I think it can be helpful to share these thoughts and from my experiences (and age, almost 60) I think these feelings of not doing enough, being conflicted about wanting to slow down but get more done… I think that is just life experience and I try to keep self criticism out of it and try different approaches to see what works for me. Everyone is different so my perspective may not be helpful but hopefully gives you some peace of mind that what you are saying makes sense!

[@caldervanandel]

I'm glad to hear it makes sense! Thank you so much! It's nice to hear your perspective, and it sure is helpful🥰

[@cariadwales1979]

You might want to try using craft vinyl to cut out your heart shape to put at the bottom of your pots.shapes. They stick well, are glaze proof and easy to remove.

[@caldervanandel]

Awesome! Thank you! I'll look it up :))

[@musicrupert]

I hope you can relax, I love your videos. I dont want you to get burned out and stop. hurry up and relax! ;)

[@caldervanandel]

Thank you so much! I'll do my best😍

[@musicrupert]

@@caldervanandel i will try one of your ideas and posr pixtures. i just got my kiln. and i think yoi have some of the more helpful videos. :)

[@caldervanandel]

@@musicrupert That's awesome! Have fun with your kiln! And thank you so much :))

[@sussiemikkelsen1764]

Thank you Calder 🙏✨ Try the different ways of doing things and let your body, mind and heart tell you what works/feels best for YOU 😊 Nobody but you knows what is best for you. Enjoy and be happy 💫🦋

[@caldervanandel]

Thank you so much! That is what I will do🥰🥰

[@dudley8671]

Excellent advice! ❤😊

[@MyMazyCat]

I love your uplifting videos, fantastic pottery, adorable warm inviting studio! Thank you for sharing everything!❤

[@caldervanandel]

Thank you so much!🥰

[@BRANK0O]

Thanks to your videos, I make cups too but I don't know which varnish should I use ?

[@caldervanandel]

That is great to hear! I use a clear glaze and fire them, do you use air dry clay?

[@topferelfe7919]

Herzallerliebst wunderschön👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🤗🤗🤗 Lg Conny

[@caldervanandel]

Thank you so much Conny🙌🏻😍

[@anneshome]

Are you familiar with the litterature and studies about forrests or nature surroundings litterally helpping us to calm down and relax. All you need to do is just to go there and enjoy, sit or walk, as you like.

[@caldervanandel]

Thank you, yes I know about that and I love nature! It really does calm me down :) I can't wait for it to be a bit warmer in The Netherlands, so that I can have picnics again!!

[@karingroot991]

Hey Calder, je wilt gewoon teveel denk ik. Ik denk dat je hoofd zo vol ideeën zit, dat je ze voor je eigen gevoel niet snel genoeg uit kunt voeren. Je bent nog zo jong dat je tijd genoeg hebt om nog alles te doen wat je wilt. Neem af en toe je rust en loop jezelf niet voorbij :)

[@caldervanandel]

Hey Karin, dankjewel voor je lieve comment! Op die manier had ik er nog niet naar gekeken, dat kan inderdaad goed een rol spelen!

[@karingroot991]

Hou je taai he

[@caldervanandel]

Komt helemaal goed!!

[@janlewis9099]

You sound like a friend who was diagnosed with ADHD last year. Perhaps you should give yourself some time off each week just to BE yourself.❤