Pottery for Mental Health: Stress, Cortisol & Clay | Fra’s Ceramics
The Healing Power of Clay: How Pottery Can Reduce Stress and Support Mental Wellbeing
What science tells us about creativity, cortisol and the therapeutic benefits of working with clay
In a world where we are constantly rushing, multitasking and managing everyday responsibilities, finding moments of genuine relaxation has become increasingly important.
But what if something as simple as getting your hands into clay could help your mind slow down?
At Fra’s Ceramics, based in Fremantle, Western Australia, we believe pottery is much more than an artistic activity. It is an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, express emotions, build meaningful connections and experience the simple pleasure of creating something with our hands.
And increasingly, scientific research is exploring what many ceramic artists have experienced for years: creative activities such as pottery can have meaningful benefits for mental wellbeing.
Can Making Art Really Reduce Cortisol Levels?
Cortisol is commonly known as the body's primary stress hormone. Although cortisol plays an essential role in regulating energy, metabolism and our natural response to stress, prolonged stress can affect our physical and emotional wellbeing.
One particularly interesting study, published in Art Therapy in 2016, investigated whether making art could influence cortisol levels.
Researchers from Drexel University examined 39 adults who participated in 45 minutes of creative art-making activities.
The results were fascinating.
Approximately 75% of participants experienced a reduction in cortisol levels after just 45 minutes of making art.
Participants also described feeling more relaxed, enjoying the creative process and experiencing a sense of freedom and immersion in their work.
Interestingly, previous artistic experience did not significantly influence the results.
This suggests that you don't need to consider yourself an artist to enjoy the potential stress-relieving benefits of creativity.
However, the study included different artistic materials, not exclusively pottery, and did not establish that art-making alone caused the cortisol reduction.
Nevertheless, it offers an encouraging insight into the relationship between creativity and stress.
What Does More Recent Research Say About Pottery and Mental Health?
Scientific interest in creative activities and mental health has continued to grow.
A systematic review published in 2025 examined 19 studies investigating the effects of craft-based interventions on mental health and wellbeing.
The researchers identified promising findings associated with pottery, including improvements in anxiety, depression, emotional distress and self-esteem across different groups of participants.
Another study published in 2024 investigated the effects of clay therapy alongside physical rehabilitation in 60 people recovering from chronic stroke.
Participants who received clay therapy demonstrated significantly better outcomes in depression and hopelessness than those receiving rehabilitation alone.
These findings suggest that working with clay may offer valuable psychological benefits, although larger and more rigorous studies are still needed.
But Does Pottery Specifically Lower Cortisol?
This is where the science becomes particularly interesting.
A 2023 study involving 41 adolescents explored the effects of a six-week clay art therapy programme on emotional regulation and cortisol measured in hair samples.
The researchers observed improvements in emotional regulation, but cortisol levels did not simply decrease. Instead, the findings suggested a more complex relationship between creative activities and physiological stress responses.
Similarly, research published in 2020 comparing mindfulness-based art therapy with a neutral clay activity found that the mindfulness-based intervention produced greater improvements in anxiety and perceived stress.
Although cortisol changes were observed, researchers could not confidently attribute them to the intervention itself.
The important distinction is that pottery has promising mental health benefits, but science has not yet established that every pottery session directly lowers cortisol.
What research increasingly supports is the potential value of creative engagement, mindfulness and hands-on activities in helping people manage stress.
Why Does Working With Clay Feel So Therapeutic?
Unlike many activities in our daily lives, pottery encourages us to slow down.
Clay responds directly to our movements. It requires attention, patience and an awareness of what our hands are doing.
When we press, roll, shape or sculpt clay, our attention naturally shifts towards the present moment.
For many people, this creates an experience similar to mindfulness.
Instead of worrying about tomorrow or replaying yesterday's events, we become absorbed in the texture, movement and transformation of the material.
There is also something deeply satisfying about transforming a simple piece of earth into something meaningful.
Whether creating a botanical mug, a small sculpture or a handmade bowl, the process provides opportunities for self-expression, experimentation and a sense of achievement.
And perhaps most importantly, pottery reminds us that imperfections can be beautiful.
The Importance of Creativity and Human Connection
Mental wellbeing is not only about reducing stress.
It is also about feeling connected, supported and part of a community.
This is one of the reasons I love teaching pottery.
At Fra’s Ceramics, my workshops are designed to offer more than technical instruction.
They are opportunities for people to come together, share experiences, learn something new and enjoy a few hours away from everyday pressures.
Some students arrive with friends, while others come alone and discover new connections around the pottery table.
There is something special about watching people encourage one another, laugh at unexpected results and celebrate their creations.
In a society where so much of our interaction happens through screens, sharing a creative experience in person can feel particularly meaningful.
You Don't Need to Be Creative to Experience the Benefits
One of the most common things I hear from new students is:
"I'm not creative at all!"
But pottery isn't about being naturally talented.
It is about allowing yourself to explore, experiment and enjoy the process without expecting perfection.
In my workshops, I guide students step by step, helping everyone feel comfortable regardless of their previous experience.
Whether you are making your first botanical mug or exploring more complex sculptural techniques, the focus is on enjoying the creative journey.
You might be surprised by what your hands can create when you give yourself permission to try.
More Than Pottery: Creating Space for Yourself
My own relationship with clay began long before I opened Fra’s Ceramics.
Originally from Sardinia, Italy, I discovered how working with clay could become a powerful source of comfort, creative expression and personal transformation.
Over the years, pottery has become much more than my profession.
It has been a way to reconnect with myself, navigate challenging experiences and find meaning through creativity.
This personal journey continues to shape the way I teach.
I believe everyone deserves access to creative spaces where they can feel welcomed, supported and free to express themselves.
While pottery is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment, it can be a beautiful addition to a lifestyle that prioritises wellbeing, connection and creativity.
Discover the Joy of Pottery in Fremantle
If you've been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from your creativity or simply curious about trying something new, perhaps it's time to give yourself a few hours with clay.
At Fra’s Ceramics, we offer welcoming pottery workshops and courses in Fremantle, suitable for beginners and those looking to develop their skills.
From botanical pottery workshops using real flowers and leaves to longer handbuilding courses, our sessions encourage creativity, relaxation and connection.
You don't need experience.
You don't need to be artistic.
You just need to arrive with curiosity and a willingness to get your hands into clay.
Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can create is a little space for ourselves.
Ready to Experience Pottery?
Explore our upcoming pottery workshops and courses at Fra’s Ceramics in Fremantle.
Come for the clay, stay for the creativity, connection and joy of making something with your own hands.
Discover our workshops and book your creative experience today.
Scientific References
1. Kaimal et al. (2016)Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making.Art Therapy, 33(2), 74–80.Research examining cortisol changes following 45 minutes of art-making.
2. The Effects of Crafts-Based Interventions on Mental Health and Well-Being (2025)Systematic review examining 19 studies on craft-based interventions and psychological wellbeing.
3. The Effect of Clay Therapy on Hopelessness and Depression Levels in Chronic Stroke Patients (2024)Randomised controlled study examining clay therapy alongside physical rehabilitation.
4. Effects of Clay Art Therapy on Emotion Regulation and Hair Cortisol Concentration for Youth With Emotional Problems (2023)Research investigating emotional regulation and physiological stress responses following clay art therapy.
5. Therapeutic Psychological and Biological Responses to Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (2020)Study comparing mindfulness-based art therapy with a neutral clay activity, examining anxiety, perceived stress and cortisol.
Note: Research into the therapeutic benefits of pottery is promising but still developing. Recreational pottery workshops should not be considered a substitute for professional psychological or medical treatment.
Comments