Here is her kingdom. On the wall is an award for winning a ceramic competition by making a clay cylinder, thin as paper. On the shelf are sporting trophies made from clay, ordered by organizers of other championships. But in the eaves above the window, swallows are twittering. When their chatter becomes too loud, she calls out, “quiet you rascals!”, and the birds quieten down. They obey. To throw a clay pot is an art of sheer concentration, you see, the clay is alive. Living and very alive! Those in the know say that the best pots are made in the new moon, whilst on other days the clay may just not be in the mood. It just doesn’t take to the wheel, and that’s it!
