The art of being created

A 25 pound bag of clay is thrown onto the table in front of the artist. The artist carefully plans and draws an idea of what the lump of clay will become. Depending on which technique of sculpting the artist chooses, they either move the clay around to form a shape or cut off chunks of clay to roll into coils to stack on top of each other.

The sculptor puts in a lot of effort into the time-consuming process to create something out of the clay. If the clay gets too dry, the artist needs to cut slits in the top of the clay, then fill it with a gooey mixture of clay and water; the pliable clay will be able to mesh with the once dry clay. The excess clay that isn’t needed is scraped off and what’s left is carefully molded to transform the planned artwork. Sometimes the walls of the artwork’s structure may become too thin and will tear. The sculptor has to add more clay to make it stronger. Once it is the correct proportions and a smooth texture, then the detail work is done with sharp needle like tools to carve into the clay.

After all of the messy work and exertion, the piece is fully formed. Before the piece is finished though, it has to sit for a while to dry out before being put into the kiln. The sculpture has to be baked at a very high temperature. If a glaze wasn’t put on the artwork before it went into the kiln then the final touches can be painted on after it’s been fired. What was once just a lump of clay has now come to life in the shape of something beautiful.

Lydia Huggins sculpting clay.

As an artist and a follower of Jesus, the experience of sculpting from clay became very meaningful to me. Being able to create makes me feel closer to the Creator. Sculpting gave me an even more intimate view of how God sculpts us. Out of all the people in the world, the fact that no two people are exactly alike (even identical twins become different and unique in their own way) is evidence to me that God takes time and effort to create a beautiful artwork…you.

God planned to create you. He carves out the unnecessary parts of your life. Although it may hurt, it is necessary for Him to form you into who you are becoming. Sometimes, we become too dry and He has to cut into us and fill us with something messy to attach and build something new from us.

At times, we will become thin and frail and will need to be strengthened by the hands of the Creator. Just as the detail work must be painful to the clay, so are our growing pains to become something more wonderful. Then, often in life there is a peaceful season where it seems like we’re waiting for something to happen. And then the fire comes and it seems like nothing will ever be good again, but just as Jesus was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fire, He is with us too.

Although we may not understand the sometimes uncomfortable process that God takes us through, there is a purpose. Isaiah 29:16 (NIV) says something similar, “You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “You did not make me”? Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”?

Accepting who you are is difficult. For a while, being comfortable with the hobbies and skills you have collected is enough, but it will not always last. During spring semester of my sophomore year of college, I began to be burnt out from writing and being a journalist wasn’t enough. Thankfully, that was during the same semester that I discovered my enjoyment for sculpting with clay. God knew that I would need another creative outlet during a stressful time. Finding another piece of me through art wasn’t what made me feel more complete. Experiencing the Creator in a creative way brought me closer to Him, which is where I feel most satisfied.

The potter knows exactly how to form you into who you are. No one else was made like you. You are wonderfully made in His image.