Why I Sculpt.

The Magic of Sculpting: Letting Clay Tell the Story

For years, wheel throwing was my go-to in pottery. The rhythm, the precision, the satisfaction of pulling up walls—it’s mesmerizing. But sometimes, it started to feel more like a to-do list than a creative outlet. Making functional pottery for gifts and commissions was rewarding, but I craved something more intuitive, something that felt truly personal.

That’s where sculpting comes in.

There’s something so freeing about shaping clay with just your hands and a few tools—watching a lump of earth transform into whatever wild idea pops into your head. For me, sculpting is like a 3D version of my journal—a way to bring my thoughts, fears, and dreams to life. Sounds cheesy, I know, but it’s true. Each piece holds a little part of me, and working through my ideas in clay has helped me process and move forward in ways I never expected.

As an art teacher for 17 years, I’ve seen so many students hesitate to try sculpture. Just like some people think they have to draw photo-realistically to be an artist, they assume they need to be born with sculpting skills to make something meaningful. Here’s the secret: every sculpture goes through an ugly phase. That weird, awkward, “this looks terrible” stage is what stops most people from continuing—but if you push through, something amazing starts to take shape.

Sculpting very wet and malleable clay - beginning stages.

I want more people to experience the magic of sculpting—to see that it’s not about being perfect, it’s about exploring, discovering, and playing with clay. If you’ve ever been curious about sculpting, I invite you to give it a try. You might surprise yourself with what your hands (and heart) can create.

Glazed - Tired Momma Sculpture - Child's Pose. by Alli Plourde

Would love to hear your thoughts—have you ever tried sculpting? What holds you back?Let’s chat in the comments! ⬇️