Creating with clay is a wonderful art form that uses a great deal of tactual skill. Here are a few suggestions for successful creativity:

• Use clay in small amounts so it is easier to mold and control.
• Colored clay and natural resource clay may be easier to use and provide better contrast than traditional grey clay.
• Use the clay to create textures and shapes pleasing to touch. Try including tactual items such as seeds, beads, shells or other natural products in your work.
• This is an excellent art form for practicing the use of visual memory. Visual memory is when you recall images from memory using past visual experiences as well as newer sensory experiences to recreate an object or event. Think of an object and try to recreate an image in your memory. Use this image to create your art.
• Many glazes cannot be seen until they have been fired. Some consider the glazing process a unique skill of science and trust. Labeling glazes with large print labels can assist with color identification. To help with more precise glazing formulas use measuring devices such as spoons and cups in contrasting colors or marked in large print.
• Some persons are uncomfortable using a kiln with high temperatures. Consider asking a partner or sighted friend to assist you in this part of the art process. Another idea is to use some of the new, professional self- hardening or "low temperature" clay [link opens in new window] which can be baked in a traditional domestic oven. The vase shown in the photo on this page was made from self-hardening clay.