Anna Tolstaya

Clay play instructor in English

In my opinion, the interaction between man and nature in the process of creating pottery from clay is unique. The variety of uses of clay and ceramics throughout history in different spheres and cultures is an inspiring source of learning, creativity, development and enjoyment for my students and for me personally.

In Play in Clay classes, in a positive atmosphere of free creativity, participants sculpt characters and clay worlds, discuss what is going on, develop fine and large motor skills, abstract thinking and imagination, empowerment and self-esteem.

In ceramics classes, we try all modelling techniques: from lump, from strata, from harnesses and different ways of decoration.
Modelling helps participants to relieve stress and tension, gives interesting occasions for socialising and sharing experiences. We go through the whole way of designing – from idea to realisation and get pleasure both from the interaction with clay and from the ceramic result. And, of course, we make beautiful and useful gifts for relatives and friends!

Anna Tolstaya is a clay play instructor in English, a teacher of additional education, a ceramic artist, a participant of art exhibitions and symposiums, the founder of the Clay Workshop kOm, and the author of ceramic educational programmes for pre-school and school-age children.

Optional classes “Clay Play” for toddlers and “Pottery Club” for older children invariably give children the joy of creativity and endless benefits from interaction with the most pliable and friendly eco-material – clay!