Chapter 1.1: Back to the earth at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle

On the 13th of September 2015, we came together at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle for an introductory session in pottery making. This first activity is part of a comprehensive series of events organized to drive a comeback in farming through active volunteerism.

The slightly hazy conditions did not appear to dampen our mood and everyone was eager to start learning the basics of pottery making! Chelsea from Jurong Frog Farm started off the session by introducing the SYF initiative to the participants. She also encourages them to volunteer at SYF to better understand and appreciate the importance of farming in Singapore.

Our cheerful volunteer Huda brought us closer together by facilitating ‘Whacko’, an interactive game designed to break the ice and lighten up the mood.

Stella, our vice chairperson and also a 4th-generation farmer of Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle, demonstrates the pottery wheel with precise strength and tenacity.

Step 1: Push just enough clay material to the top to control the size of the final product

Step 2: Apply force using your thumbs to the centre of the cylinder

Step 3: Apply even distribution of force to the sides to create a bowl shape

Step 4: Detach the bowl from the clay material

Besides some natural gift, a pair of small hands with nimble fingers, there is no secret to mastering pottery. Just practice, practice and more practice! Stella talked about her past experience in gaining approval from her former teacher—“In order to pass the test, I need to create 100 vases with even thickness distribution throughout the final product”.

The pottery wheel demonstration shifted into high gear when some grabbed the opportunity to make their own bowls!

We then tucked into some delicious refreshments prepared by Stella’s family while having a heart-to-heart talk with Mrs Tan!

It was then time to create our very own clay plate—from shaping to glazing.

A big shout out to all—you guys are awesome!

Thank you for making this event a great success and a memorable one. We hope to see you at Quan Fa Organic Farm on 11 October 2015 and Metropolitan Offshore Fish Farm on 8 November 2015!

Join us for the next activity and register here. We hope to see you there for our next exciting event!

PS: The farmers’ market will be on 31st October and 1st November 2015. Sign up as a volunteer now and get a glimpse of what we do during these events =p