Closing 2025 - A Letter From Founder Josh Herman

Approaching 2026 With Creativity

As we approach the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting on what clay has taught me lately. Working with clay is more than making objects. It is a practice in presence, curiosity, and letting things unfold in their own time.   To expand on that, I’ll share a few thoughts that might support and inspire your creative path as we head into the new year.

Begin with presence, not pressure. Instead of setting big resolutions, try beginning your practice by simply showing up. Spend a few minutes feeling the clay, your breath, the weight of your hands. At Tao of Clay, we often say that the quality of your attention becomes the quality of your work. Let presence be your starting point.

Follow what feels alive. Rather than forcing yourself toward a specific goal, notice what naturally interests you or where your attention wants to go. Maybe a form you keep returning to, a glaze that sparks curiosity, or a small idea you want to try. Let aliveness guide your next step. It’s a much kinder and more sustainable way to grow.

Practice loving presence with yourself. Clay will show you your edges. Some days the clay is soft, your hands are tired, or nothing goes as planned. Treat yourself gently. Connection with yourself is as much a skill as throwing or trimming, and it changes the experience of making.

Celebrate accidents and surprises. The kiln will always have a say. A crack, a warp, or a drip can be frustrating, but it can also reveal something new. Try approaching each unexpected moment with curiosity. What is it showing you? What direction might it open? Some of the best work emerges from what we didn’t intend.

Create community around your practice. Clay is meant to be shared. Whether you take a class, come to open studio, or simply talk to someone at the next wheel, community enriches the experience. The studio is a living ecosystem and each of you contributes to the warmth and creativity here.

As we step into the new year, I am grateful for this community and all the ways you show up for your practice and for one another. I can’t wait to see what emerges from your hands in 2026. Thank you for being part of Tao of Clay.

Warmly,

Josh