The Great Pottery Throw Down Series 8 – Exit Week Six

In the sixth episode of The Great Pottery Throw Down, the potters were feeling puckish in the pottery as the seven remaining potters sculpted realistic vegetable lamp bases.  Judges Rich Miller and Keith Brymer Jones decided who was potter of the week and who will leave the pottery.

At the end of the episode host Siobhán McSweeney announced that James was Potter of the Week, and sadly Imy had to leave the pottery.   

On hearing the news, Imy said: ‘I did say go big or go home, but at least I gave it my all. I am not crying because I am sad I’m leaving, but as the competition goes on you do get a closer bond with everyone. I am so glad that I have met every single one of you.

‘I am very proud of myself for making it this far. I have learned so many things and I’ve made incredible things that I never thought I could make. I am just proud that despite having my disability and struggling to hear that I have pushed myself not only in pottery – but physically and mentally.’

Rich added: ‘You’ve been such a wonderful presence in the pottery, you should be so proud of yourself.’

Here Imy talks about her time in the Pottery:

There were some new themes in this series – is there any particular week you enjoyed or found tricky during your time on GPTD.

When getting the introduction of new themes each week it brought an exciting mix of challenges to achieve. Each theme pushed you to think creatively and step outside your comfort zone, which can be both exhilarating and daunting. For example, making a vegetable lamp focused on creating complex sculpture pieces was enjoyable to create something I have never made before, but it also has been tricky. Themes that involve experimental glazes that I haven’t tried before or unusual firing techniques have been especially challenging, as they require a deep understanding of the materials and processes, along with a willingness to embrace unpredictability.

Best and worst moment overall for you during the series?

Reflecting on the series, the best moment might have been when I did the blindfold challenge. Not only was it a challenge to throw something on the wheel and not see what you are doing, but to have two senses taken away from you was hard. It was hard not to see or hear. I completed three candlestick holders that were similar. That sense of accomplishment and seeing my hard work pay off is always incredibly rewarding. 

Do you think when you watch it back on television will there be parts that you completely missed because you were concentrating on your pottery?

Absolutely, watching it back will likely reveal moments I missed while I was deep in concentration. The focus required for pottery can make you oblivious to what's happening around you. There might be interesting interactions, comments from the judges, or even funny behind-the-scenes moments that I wasn’t aware of at the time. Seeing it all unfold on television could give me a fresh perspective on the entire experience, showing how everything came together, including those aspects I wasn't directly involved in.

What was the funniest moment that happened throughout the series, can be on or off set?

My funniest moment was second week in when everyone was still in, we were all in the green room. Stephen, Steve and Hayley were doing magic tricks, and we were trying to guess how they did it! These little moments of humour and camaraderie are what make the experience memorable and fun. The green room provided a much-needed break from the intensity of the competition and remind everyone of the joy and creativity that brought us together in the first place.

Would you encourage other amateur Potters out there to have a go on the series and why?

Absolutely! Taking part in a series like this offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities that can be incredibly rewarding. For amateur potters, it's a chance to push your skills to new heights, gain exposure to different techniques, and receive valuable feedback from experienced judges. Plus, the camaraderie with fellow potters and the shared passion for the craft create a supportive and inspiring environment.

Will you make anything again from the series, when you are at home and have more time?

I would love to make everything that I have already made, again. I can imagine it’d be incredibly satisfying to see how those pieces evolve when I’m able to take my time and apply everything I have learned. Definitely won’t be making the fireplace…

What were you most nervous about the whole experience and did it turn out ok in the end?

It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before embarking on such a unique experience. Perhaps the biggest concern was the pressure of performing in front of cameras and judges. There were worries about time constraints, technical challenges, or simply the fear of making mistakes in such a public setting.

Despite these nerves, everything turned out well in the end. The challenges likely pushed me to grow and improve, and any initial anxiety may have transformed into a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Do you feel you have progressed now as a Potter? 

Reflecting on the journey, there's no doubt that the experience has fostered significant growth. I have gained greater confidence in my abilities and a deeper understanding of the craft. The journey has taught me resilience and adaptability, and those are invaluable qualities for any artist.

How emotional were you when you had to leave, and how supportive was everyone?

Leaving was a deeply emotional moment, mixed with a sense of loss but also pride in the journey completed. The camaraderie and bonds formed with fellow potters and the supportive atmosphere likely made it even harder to say goodbye. It’s not just about leaving the competition but parting with a unique and intense shared experience.

Everyone's support during that time was invaluable. Fellow potters, judges, and the crew rallied around, offering words of encouragement and reassurance. 

The emotional farewells and the realisation of how far I have come has created a memorable and touching conclusion to my time on the series. It’s these heartfelt moments that often stay with us the longest, reminding us of the connections made and the growth experienced.

What will you take away from your experience of being on The Great Pottery Throw Down?

First and foremost, the opportunity to push creative boundaries and refine skills in the craft of pottery will be treasured. The main thing is the fact, I now know I’m on the right path for what I want to do in life.

What’s the biggest thing you have learned from being on the series?

As a deaf person, my experience has added an extra layer of complexity and challenge, but highlights the strength and determination I possess. Communicating effectively and staying connected with fellow contestants and the judges, despite any barriers, shows I have to be resilient and adapt to environment changes. This aspect of my journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that creativity and passion can transcend any obstacles.

Overall, the series taught that creativity thrives in challenging environments, and that personal growth often comes from stepping into the unknown with courage and openness.

What would you like to make next and how big or small?

I am now taking the time to go back to where I started and ease myself back into the world of pottery in a calm sense. The first thing I made was a mug and I noticed a massive difference from the first mug I ever made.

What’s next for you in the pottery world?

The next steps in the pottery world would be to take everything learned from the series and continue to grow and experiment. Participating in local pottery fairs or exhibitions to showcase my work and connect with other artists. Teaching workshops or classes to share your knowledge and passion for pottery with others. Social media and online platforms are great avenues to share my work with a broader audience and engage with a community of pottery enthusiasts.