On October 23, we have a visit to the workshop of Shang Tianming under the guidance of our teachers. When we come into his workshop, unexpectedly, it is also his home with no apprentices.
There are some tools in the workshop. We are very fortunate to observe the process of making black pots. Some clay is made into a beautiful vase before we realize it. He is very skillful and invites us to have a try. We are very excited because it is the first time for us to make black pots. After we mix the clay, we put it on the wheel. If there was the guidance of Mr. Shang, the clay would be thrown away. He tells us to bring the clay under control by both the hands and arms. At first, we cannot do it well. For the second time, we slowly build the shape of the pot while putting some water on the clay. It seems simple but it is really hard to do it well. All of us make a work by ourselves: some are like plates, some are like wine cups. But we still feel very happy. We also realize the hardship in making the black pots. Only by working hard for a very long time, can some achievements be made. From him, we also find the positive attitude toward his work. His success and his efforts cannot be separated. As students, we should learn from him.