The Portal inside Paint-A-Pot
Nestled among the willow branches at Florida State University, Paint-A-Pot beckons individuals from all walks of life with its cooing call for limitless expression.
Paint-A-Pot’s primary location resides within the vibrant hub of the Askew Student Life Center at 942 Learning Way, while a secondary outpost can be found in FSU’s Student Union, offering a slightly more condensed selection— and a side of orange chicken tang in the air. One of its most inviting features is its accessibility to the general public, flying beyond the confines of campus life. No appointments are necessary for solo adventurers, unless you arrive with a spirited group of six or more.
As I entered, I was greeted by a plethora of ceramic treasures displayed on three expansive shelves. From cups to gnomes, and other necessities, the choices were endless. After a thoughtful deliberation, I settled on a cactus dish for my jewelry.
Even deserted things deserve to be beautiful
The experience unfolded like a gentle breeze, each table a riverside full of shiny things. If anyone is seeking solace in creativity or yearning for a moment of mindfulness, I wholeheartedly recommend this endeavor; because, for a moment, you are not a university student drenched in regret, you are sleek and black feathered— a crow, who has spot something new for her nest.
Cassidy, one of Paint-A-Pot's artisans (and fellow crow) served as both guide and muse throughout my journey. With a personality as vibrant as the colors she wielded, Cassidy shared insights into the painting process, the delicate dance of glazing, and her personal journey with the company.
Cassidy applied for this job because she is “a very crafty person” and has been painting ceramics here since her freshman year. One of her favorite parts about working here is seeing the facility’s impact on students. Having an open arts center for students and non-students alike creates space outside of classrooms and homes to learn about art or just be creative. With her warm spirit beaming close by, I knew my cactus felt at home
Emerging from the painting process, I couldn’t help but marvel at the alchemy of colors and glaze. The transformation was nothing short of freeing. With each stroke, the ceramic stone began to bleed, vibrant hues feathering beneath the glossy sheen of glaze. The dull, contained mud, cracked open to a hearth of life, breathing flames of a phoenix.
A chattering crow lives now nine generations of aged men,
but a stag's life is four time a crow's,
and a raven's life makes three stags old,
while the phoenix outlives nine ravens,
but we, the rich-haired Nymphs
daughters of Zeus the aegis-holder,
outlive ten phoenixes.
- Precepts of Chiron
Paint-A-Pot is not just a studio; it's a gateway to a world of creativity and connection. Sage artists and novices alike would do well to heed the call of creativity and embark on your own painting odyssey.
