The Art of the Wheel
Brentwood’s incredible arts faculty and facilities provide creative teaching and spaces to every student - and the 3D pottery studio is a standout! Overlooking the Mount Baker and the dazzling Pacific Ocean, students couldn’t ask for a better space to learn about the art of pottery and get in touch with their inner potter. As arts days commence, students draw inspiration from their beautiful surroundings as they practice centring, throwing, and trimming with the help of Mr Joe Lyons, Brentwood’s 3D Pottery teacher.
Mr Lyons is a professional potter from Seattle, Washington, who uses his work in the hip-hop industry and love of graffiti to influence his pottery. Mr Lyons states that hip-hop “was the first art form that inspired [him],” and when “working with students and youth, there is a form of innovation that connects them.” Using his experience as a young artist, Mr Lyons can inspire students to pursue their ambitions through clay.
Students with skills ranging from beginner to quite experienced come together in four groups, three times a week, to “Kick Back and Relax,” as Mr Lyons says. The studio is a place for students to explore clay and create anything their minds can imagine. Although students vary in age, the pottery studio is a place where everyone is included due to their common purpose of childlike creativity and eagerness to learn and grow.
Having thrown pots in the studio for four years now, I can confidently say that 3D Pottery is one of the most sought-after arts for a reason. Georg W, Rogers ‘25 states that 3D Pottery “is like entering another dimension.” Time and time again, students sign up and cross their fingers to be in this class because of the creative freedom it offers. In most classes, students are encouraged to get on the wheel right away and throw a pot. Learning by doing is the main teaching practice employed in the studio and each time a student sits down at a wheel and makes, or attempts to make, a pot, they are improving.
On Friday, however, students gather around the studio tables and watch “Feature Friday” presentations; every week, four or five students create a short presentation detailing a notable potter and include images of their work, their background, and why they chose them. Presentations like these allow students to learn more about pottery in the real world and find inspiration for their next works.
Our varying arts programs at Brentwood are ideal spaces for students to unwind and channel their stress into creativity, distracting themselves from a demanding academic schedule and bustling athletic afternoons. One of the 3D Pottery Captains, Max K, Rogers ‘25 has great things to say about the pottery program: “It provides students with a place to relax and explore a unique art. Mr Lyons supports students to create new and original artwork.” Students are encouraged to express themselves, be inspired, and make mistakes; that is what makes 3D Pottery such an incredible class.
Brynn W, Mack ‘25