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LUMEN | INTERVIEW
Life Beyond The Classroom
By Mr Matthew Grey
Since the pandemic began in the first few months of 2020 , there has been much discussion in both the conventional media and social media about the need for us all to practise self-care and the growing attention towards a balanced approach to life . In this issue , the Lumen team decided to shine the spotlight on a few teachers who certainly practise what they preach when it comes to a sense of balance to achieve harmony in their lives .
Many of us are familiar with Mr . Krison Tan ’ s energetic approach to teaching and learning , but how , exactly , does he recharge his batteries in between those high-intensity lessons ? The answer to this question can be found at a potter ’ s wheel . Krison first got his hands deep into clay during pottery lessons that began in November 2020 . After completing a beginner ’ s hand-building techniques course , he enrolled in a foundation level wheel-throwing course . Since then , he has been regularly creating ceramic magic at a local studio .
He believes that pottery crafting provides him with all the sanctuary he needs , and he describes the experience as no less than “ infinity in my hands ”. He continues , “ That is what it is when you hold a piece of pottery in your hands . Whether it is before or after firing , essentially , that piece of pottery or ceramic is dust , remaining at its core as dust for eternity .” In fact , if the appeal of the potter ’ s craft could be encapsulated in one phrase for Krison , then it would most definitely be “ the connection between the spiritual and material .”
Without a doubt , the divine and the worldly are synthesized harmoniously when this English teacher is at the wheel . However , Krison is keen to emphasize that the potter ’ s ultimate aim is not some fool ’ s errand in search of perfection .
On the contrary , he continues , “ the achievement of perfection , unattainable and unnatural , is no longer the ultimate goal in life . When a piece of pottery work is completed , it reminds me that everything is impermanent , imperfect and incomplete in life , reflecting the idea of wabi-sabi .” How many of us cause ourselves untold stress and strain by seeking the unattainable ? Indeed , how timely a reminder is Mr Tan ’ s reference to wabi-sabi , the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in every aspect of imperfection in nature ? How helpful might it be for us to remind ourselves of this simple yet beautiful idea ?
Unnamed wooden seat , Kirkby Stephen , UK