Pottery-making gradually returning to limelight — Ceramist

A ceramist, Akinkunmi Oyelere, on Saturday, says pottery-making is on its way back to the limelight with more Nigerians appreciating the benefits of pottery wares.

Oyelere told the newsmen in Ibadan that Nigerians had compared chemically produced products to pottery works and seen that pottery wares were better.

“Many people have realised that pottery wares, especially the ones for cooking, are safer for human consumption,” he said.

Oyelere, however, said the percentage of Nigerians in pottery-making craft was still low.

“This particular skill is not for the weak but for those who have passion, which has made some people lose hope as they believe and do not see possibilities in impossibilities.

“Ceramists face many challenges, but I always find ways around them.

“I don’t see any issue as a challenge, rather, I diplomatically tackle every challenge for me not to be weakened,” he said.

The ceramist says being a pottery maker is similar to being a goldsmith because the product to be made determines the production period.

“Those who know the value of gold walk up to the store to get it, so it is worth being a ceramist,” he said.

He, however, said the revival of pottery could only be addressed by government involvement in making the skill inclusive in education curricula.

“Students should be involved in pottery and organising frequent workshops on pottery-making is pivotal.

“We also need to encourage the public to appreciate more of the benefits and economic importance of using pottery products.

“Nigerians should not give up on investing in ceramics and pottery; by doing this, the long-time dead pottery will be successfully revived.