The power of clay
Clay is formed over a millennia through weathering and sedimental land shifts and like the landscape itself is very much alive, containing mineral elements including magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and the serotonin-boosting Mycobacterium vaccae which has proven clinically effective in treating a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, and brain-fog.
Recent advances in neuroscience have opened up exciting possibilities linking haptic material engagement to the forming of new synapses in the brain. Our hands are connected through our spinal cord to our libido to the central nervous system, and consequently to the survival instinct that will always aim to rebalance, heal and live.
The clay/hand/ brain connection engages our cognitive functions and was fundamental in human evolutionary development. As we navigate this current digital age we increasingly lose this essential connection. This contributes to an increasing rise of anxiety disorders and anti-depressant prescribing currently at an all-time high.
This primal hand-brain-body connection is vital for the formation of new neural pathways, serotonin production, and rebalancing the nervous system. Regular sessions unfreeze latent creativity particularly in ration to language, spacial awareness and empathy. Self-perception comes into focus and so too are emotions such as grief often characterised as being ‘held’ in the body, many clients report a feeling of transference from their own body to the clay.
Working with clay reaps many benefits however without experienced guidance we tend to allow our rational mind to take the lead. In the First Hand Studio, pressure to make finished objects is removed, this allows more freedom to explore to the process of making.
This Work-in-Progress approach to clay work has been proven to have more meaningful outcomes than more traditional hierarchical teacher/pupil or therapist/client relationship.
About me
Rhona W Paterson
Founder
Rhona W Paterson is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice spans visual art, creative writing, and performance. Her work centers on feminist perspectives, exploring the intuitive ways in which specific environments shape, control, and influence human experience. Through First Hand, Rhona brings her extensive expertise as a practicing artist to a therapeutic setting, creating a space where clay becomes a tool for self-discovery, healing, and creative exploration.
Rhona’s work has recently been acquired as a series of collagraphs by Glasgow Museums and her written work is frequently published in art and poetry publications. She has received numerous accolades, including the Scottish Book Trust Prize for Poetry and Creative Scotland Awards .
Through First Hand Studio, Rhona combines her artistic practice with a passion for therapeutic creativity, offering sessions that invite participants to connect with their emotions and environments through the hands-on experience of working with clay.
One-to-One: Testimonials
— Sorcha D.
“Lovely guidance from Rhona, in a gentle and facilitative way to encourage individual exploration and connection. Like that this felt supported but self guided also. A real sensory experience from the beautiful scents throughout to the use of texture and sound. Highly recommend.”
— Lorraine H.
“I haven’t felt so relaxed in a long while and can still feel my brain churning over the process. Rhona was so kind and quietly encouraging throughout. Learning that your initiative making techniques marry up to the neuroscience behind it all is just mind-blowing. Interested to see what comes up over the next few days. Highly recommend booking a session.”
— Gary G.
“Just had another amazing clay session at First Hand Studio. Five Star experience”
— Colette B.
“I haven’t felt so relaxed in a long while and can still feel my brain churning over the process. Rhona was so kind and quietly encouraging throughout. Learning that your initiative making techniques marry up to the neuroscience behind it all is just mind-blowing. Interested to see what comes up over the next few days. Highly recommend booking a session.”
— Lorraine H. (after 2nd session)
“The sessions are so personal and the studio experience gives you the feeling that time is standing still. It’s hard to put into words, but the feelings are very rich. My brain feels squashy and very content”
— Lisa T.
“Rhona possesses an innate capacity to immediately make you feel seen and heard. My first session was remarkable and helped me to reorientate my emotional response to a particularly challenging situation. The clay has been calling me back ever since. This Rumi quote reflects my response to how that session left me feeling: ‘We are all stars wrapped in skin. The light you are seeking has always been within’. "
— Thom S.
“The sessions are so personal and the studio experience gives you the feeling that time is standing still. It’s hard to put into words, but the feelings are very rich. My brain feels squashy and very content”
Clay for the Workplace: Testimonials
Engaging in clay-based workshops can transform the workplace environment, fostering creativity, collaboration, and well-being among employees. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for team members to explore their artistic potential while simultaneously cultivating a sense of connection and shared experience.
Workshop Structure:
Introduction to Clay: A brief overview of clay types, tools, and techniques to ignite participants’ interest and prepare them for the hands-on experience.
Guided Creation: Facilitators will guide participants through the process of creating a simple piece, encouraging personal expression while providing support and feedback.
Group Reflection: After creating, participants will share their pieces and experiences, fostering open dialogue and learning from one another.
Closing Activity: To solidify insights gained during the workshop, a closing activity will encapsulate key themes of creativity, mindfulness, and collaboration.
“I have had a very positive outlook after this workshop, it felt nice to follow the journey -the unfolding of creativity with your hands and mind, I feel calm, happier, more positive”
“Good stress relief and a fun creative outlet”
-Stallan-Brand Architecture.
“Thoroughly enjoyed the Clay Workshop. Exploring the medium as a connection to mindfulness was a new experience, but one that made complete sense to me.”
“A deeper understanding between hand and mind connections, how his can be utilised to de-stress and the importance between people and nature.”
-Collective Architecture.
