From EngAGE Regional Programs Director Robin Hart reports on a wonderful new class:
On Friday, March 28th, twelve residents participated in a project with the Pomona-based American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA), constructing personalized, ceremonial Tea bowls. AMOCA Community Outreach Program Coordinator Jennifer Grace, was joined by Education Manager Angie Reyes at Portofino, to first introduce the focus of AMOCA as well as the concept behind the Tea Ceremony and the symbolism of a container holding tea. Via DVDs, various tea ceremonies from around the world were shown.
Residents were also introduced to two principles, sabi and wabi. “Wabi” represents the inner, or spiritual, experiences of human lives. “Sabi,” on the other hand, represents the outer, or material imperfection of life, also the original nature of things. Residents constructed their own bowls during this session, encouraged to allow inner expression as well outer creative impulse (imperfections and all!) to predominate.
In future sessions, the bowls will be fired at AMOCA and then glazed, on site.
Residents will conclude the project by conducting their own tea ceremony facilitated by Robin Hart.
