Featured Member: Greg Kniedler
What drew you to ceramics/pottery?
I have always liked to build things and my main focus over the years has always been woodworking but for the longest time I have always wanted to try many hands at pottery. Being able to make a bowl, pitcher, mug or other items out of clay sounded real exciting to me and I had to give it a try. While I was working and raising a family with my wife Leslie, there just wasn’t anytime to attempt pottery. Upon retirement I had more free time and I took my first class at SCCA about a year and half ago. Following the beginners class my wife purchased an SCCA membership for me and the rest is history.
What has been your favorite class you've taken with SCCA?
I have taken three pottery classes, all dealing with the potter’s wheel. I learned many new things in each class and the instructors would encourage everyone to go beyond their comfort zone and try something new. For example, my last class I was encouraged to increase the amount of clay that was centered on the wheel and with a few new techniques I was able to achieve this goal. Each instructor at SCCA has something new to offer their students. This provides the student with many learning opportunities.
What has pottery taught you about yourself?
Pottery has taught me that it takes a lot of practice to build the skills for making objects on the wheel. Pottery also allows one to bring their creativity to life. This creativity can take the form of the object that is coming off of your potter’s wheel to adding creative designs to your object. The most challenging part of the creativity for me is how to finish your object with the glazes that are available. Being color challenged I experiment and there have been some interesting combination of colors. The neat thing about pottery is that there is no limit to your creativity.
Anything else you’d like to add about SCCA?
Having SCCA in Chattanooga is out of this world. Being new to pottery, everyone at SCCA, staff and fellow potters are friendly and helpful. They take their time to answer my very simple questions. Having SCCA has allowed me to pursue pottery as a hobby and to have fun and meet new friends. Come join us!