Course in France

As an American living abroad, with time on my hands, and a creative spirit, I was fortunate to come across an advert about a wonderful opportunity to take a Raku pottery, felt making, and silk painting class in the beautiful countryside of Congines, France.

As part of the course, I stayed at an all inclusive Bed and Breakfast that was reminiscent of years gone by. A true country French experience.

The classes I attended were held during springtime in the beautiful inside garden behind typical old world double doors, whose beauty would never be noticed until the doors were opened. The classes were held under flowering wisteria, blossoming cherry trees, spring tulips, daffodils and flowers abounding.

Jo Scott, my delightful teacher, with years of experience in the art world and heavily degreed in textiles, is a supreme teacher, patient and gave total attention to her enthusiastic students!. Her patience with this all thumbs American made the experience delightful! On the first day I learned the basics of hand building, coiling, pinch pots and slab building. Then I applied the glaze and we fired the all of my projects to watch them turn into real works of art that left me with a sense of satisfaction and awe that I was able to create beautiful pottery out of a slab of clay that I could proudly display in my home.

I made a beautiful blue and silver hued Raku box replete with a bow on top, whose colors are only acquired with the Raku firing technique. I also made a Raku fired Christmas tree and stand. I proudly used this as a luminary last Christmas.

I had no knowledge of this type of artistry, and Jo was so patient explaining every detail in her patient and whimsical way of teaching. She is a delight and we had many laughs together.

While the pottery dried, we went on to felt making, which allowed all of us to put our own creative style to our project. Jo provided all the supplies, and the fun! I made an African mask and collected shells out of the garden to adorn the mask with. It is proudly displayed on my wall today.

The silk painting was marvelous. It was like watching colors appear, swirl and create its own patterns with blended colors. I now use my silk art work as a beautiful table top cover and get many compliments on its design.

We had fun a bit of exercise while our pottery dried by walking into the nearby villages for bread and cheese that only the French can make, toured the markets and came home with valuable purchases. American’s call it retail therapy!!! The vineyard was down the road and we were able to have lots of wonderful French wine at our fingertips and it was so reasonably priced, a compliment to the cheese and bread that I ate volumes of.

The one thing to remember is to leave enough room in your case to bring back your created treasures.

I can’t recommend Jo Scott’s classes enough. Her experience, flair and style, personal care and attention for her students showed through daily. I left with wonderful memories and individual one of a kind pieces that I know I will treasure for years to come.

Terry Stimpson, Dallas Texas

Pottery Classes

Jo, Just to say a big Thank You!

I just wanted to say "thank you" from all of us, for the wonderful pottery sessions we have had. Over the weeks I have gained confidence through attending your classes, and that's down to you. Its enabled me to escape from the TV for 2 hours a week.

What I will remember most about you is your big smile and bubbly personality on entering the classroom, plus your helpfulness. All I could ever have wished for is to have known you for longer but France is going to be a "richer" place with your presence this summer.

My favourite memories are making my first thumb pot, making the leafs for my Aunts grave and talking to my new friends.

I'll definitely miss our pottery class every Thursday night and I don't want it to end - but I know it has to.

Being in your class I've realised I can accomplish things and now know "there are no mistakes", plus I appreciate that such feelings are down to the hard work you put in which sometimes we don't see, but know who is responsible for.

"Thank You Jo" I will miss you but have many happy memories.

Sheila Benson