The Soulwork of Clay

Described as a hands-on approach to Spirituality, this unique publication connects the reader with the earth, while getting in touch with creation.

The author, obviously a skilful and creative potter unites her world of clay with the spiritual dimensions of life.

This is a teaching too, which in its 165 pages shows the many facets of producing fine and unusual pottery, while leading the reader in an exciting journey in things of the Spirit. It leads you in sacred paths but does not use the expected language of God.

Ms Zoet Bankson began working with clay to quell the fear that her husband may not return from a tour of duty in Vietnam. Many years later her new found love led her to become a professional potter and a theological student, finding that it was not the pots that were being formed but herself.

The pages of this book speak of letting go, of the miracle of decay, of the power of listening, of the necessary reunion of body and spirit, and the communion she feels with all humanity and living things as she works with her hands and the earth.

This exceptionally insightful book emphasizes the utter relevance of the biblical metaphor of the potter and the clay. The grounding, kneading, centering, shaping, finishing, decorating and firing of the potting process lead to reflective questions in each chapter inviting the reader to contemplative thoughts about how we can become our fullest selves.

Photographs of the potting process taken by the author’s husband make this a real teaching manual.

The author does make the point that connecting with nature and our creative side can happen through handcrafts beyond pottery!

Soulwork is heartwork.