5 reasons I like masking in the studio

Yes, we still mask in the studio!

Covid-19 remains a very real threat and regardless of whether you are currently immunocompromised, if you get COVID, you are then a part of that group. More and more of us are at risk and wearing masks in the studio is a way to mitigate this risk.

A returning student connects with their piece in the afternoon light

Five reasons I like masking in the studio:

1. Heightened awareness of health. Masks encourage people to be more cognizant of one another in general. My students are very considerate and often will let me know well in advance if they have a cough, sniffles or a feeling in any way under the weather. Waveform’s mask policy encourages folks to be communicative and to reschedule when they are feeling sick.

A mother-daughter duo throwing for the first time

2. Waveform is protected from unexpected closure. Small business owners don’t typically have PTO - if I get sick, I will need to close down - my business is still in the early stages, and an unexpected closure would have a significant impact. Masking helps me feel at ease that this is less likely for me.

3. Creative and precise communication. Masks mean that we are more sensitive with our body language and eye contact. I have run hundreds of classes with masks on and I don't even notice them anymore; I do not find that it's a barrier to teach but rather makes me more communicative with my hands, speak slower and louder, if people can’t understand my words, they let me know… leading to better communication and building trust between us.

Two middle-school aged students throwing on the wheel together

4. A little privacy. At Waveform, beginners are engaging in a vulnerable activity: touching clay, messing up and experiencing something new. You may feel a bit under the microscope in a small class with such individualized instruction - the mask can feel like a little bit of an invisibility cloak.

5. And the best for last: Respecting immunocompromised folks, honoring the disability community and keeping the space inviting to all. Accessibility is Waveform's #1 value. Our immunocompromised community is calling out for more folks to mask up. Masking in the studio aligns with the studio’s values and ensures that pottery classes remain accessible and inviting to as many people as possible.

Curious to try throwing on the wheel? Check out the studio’s offerings or upcoming events and book a session today!