Post by Princeton University

#TellUsTigers: “One of my favorite memories at Princeton was sitting at one of the pottery wheels in the Huo College ceramics studio, listening to my music, soft clay running through my hands, and looking out the big glass window onto Poe field at sunset. Ceramics is an extremely meditative process and was a valuable, relaxing and creative outlet from my busy studies as a history major with a minor in architecture & engineering. In the classroom I might feel a strong obligation to be perfect, but ceramics is a place where failure is OK — even inevitable. I first discovered ceramics in a 10th grade art class and actually wrote one of my Princeton application essays on what I called ‘embracing the messiness’ — sometimes the best pieces emerge by accident. Maybe I was intending to make a vase, but my hand slipped, pulling the clay out wide, so that now I had a beautiful bowl instead. Or maybe my hand slipped and the piece collapsed, but that’s OK because I could simply just wedge the clay, and start over again. In ceramics there is no ‘right’ answer, there’s not even a ‘right’ process. There is only room to experiment, explore, and with enough practice, be able to tangibly create something you are proud of. I took advanced ceramics classes my junior and senior years of high school, and became a regular at the Huo College ceramics studio as soon as I set foot on campus my first year, signing up for as many wheel-throwing sessions a week as my schedule allowed. At the start of my sophomore year, I got a job as an associate in the studio and spent the next three years leading workshops and introducing my peers to the art form that I love so much. I would recommend to every Princeton student who is looking for community, a creative outlet, a break from their busy day, or just an opportunity to try something new and laugh with their friends, to check out the ceramics studio. There are several sessions every day — no experience needed. It’s one of the most special places on campus.” — Hailey Hubbard ’26; photo by Noel Valero ’82 *86