Stephanie Cottle heads over to Studio Dot to chat with Mike Cassidy ahead of a series of relaxed pottery wheel sessions taking place at Aunty Social this August.
Mike’s genuine enthusiasm for pottery is immediately evident in his Blackpool home. Beautifully glazed ceramics perch on almost every shelf. As we chat over his dining room table my only regret is having declined a brew, while Mike sips from a gorgeous, earthy, handmade mug. Conversation flows effortlessly between Mike, Kelly and me as I learn more about Studio Dot. This creative partnership, forged by Mike and Kelly, has produced a diverse array of work—ceramics, paintings and clothing—and their pieces have been stocked in Aunty Social for a couple of years now.
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These days, Mike is expanding his focus to teaching. He wants to share his passion and expertise with a wider audience. His pottery journey began almost by chance while teaching at a school in Wigan. With no prior experience, he took on the challenge of leading a ceramics project—and thankfully, that spark of curiosity ignited a talent that has bloomed ever since.
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When we visit the studio, it’s clear the space is well-equipped for production: there’s even a dedicated kiln, giving Mike full control over the firing process. He guides me through the stages of creating pottery. First comes “wedging” the clay, to remove air bubbles and ensure a smooth consistency. Then he demonstrates the art of centring clay on the wheel—foundation skills that require precision, control and a bit of force. The slapping noise as the clay lands is just so satisfying. Consider an ASMR side hustle Mike!
Whilst we work Mike and I talk about clay as something elemental, shaped by human hands into objects that are both functional and decorative. He speaks of the importance of creating items that we hold and pass on: to fill our homes with things that we ourselves have made. Mike also takes a place-based approach to ceramics: he makes pieces that literally bear the imprint of Blackpool. He has used barnacle from beneath the pier, pressing their textures into clay; he’s taken imprints from the bark of trees in Stanley Park—planting those natural echoes into his work, tying ceramics to landscape and memory.
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As Mike delivers the session, his background in teaching is immediately evident. He explains each step with clarity, offering gentle encouragement or more detailed guidance depending on what’s needed. The atmosphere is calm, focused, and friendly. At times, the mug I was shaping morphed into a bowl, a slightly tipsy milk jug, and at one point, an avant-garde symbol of hope (my interpretation) —but Mike always managed to get me back on track. He’d talk through what he was doing as he helped correct my slip-ups, making the process feel collaborative.
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Glazing, he says, is an unpredictable stage. Mike explains how correct temperature control during firing and careful application are essential—yet small faults like holes or “crawling” (where glaze separates from the clay) can still happen. Despite the risks, glazing brings satisfaction when things go right and some ‘happy accidents’ along the way.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Alongside the practical and technical, Mike also shares a charming anecdote: he once auditioned for The Great Pottery Throw Down, reaching the final round in London. He jokes that a slightly imperfect trophy piece might have held him back (he showed me a second attempt and it’s beautiful)—but he’s already planning a return, and I would love to see Blackpool’s finest bring a tear to Keith Jones’s eye.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Studio Dot’s clay sessions at Aunty Social run on 14, 15 and 16 August. Mike will bring his own wheel into the shop space on Thursday and Friday, demonstrating wheel‑throwing techniques and giving shorter tutorials throughout the day.
On Saturday, he’ll switch to more in depth one-to-one teaching in Aunty Social’s back studio offering a deeper dive for those who want it.These sessions offer a lovely opportunity to meet a passionate, local maker and get hands‑on, or simply watch and learn. If ever there was an invitation to play with clay and take home a handmade object, this is it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Book a session
All equipment and materials will be provided, along with full 1-2-1 instruction. Choose from:
- 30 minute beginner taster session
- 1 hour pottery wheel tuition session
Follow the links below for more information and booking.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Pottery wheel taster sessions” style=”custom” custom_background=”#1E73BE” custom_text=”#FFFFFF” size=”lg” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-ticket-alt” css=”” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.co.uk%2Fe%2Fpottery-wheel-taster-sessions-with-studio-dot-tickets-1378421298209%3Faff%3Doddtdtcreator|target:_blank”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Pottery wheel tuition” style=”custom” custom_background=”#1E73BE” custom_text=”#FFFFFF” size=”lg” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-ticket-alt” css=”” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.co.uk%2Fe%2Fpottery-wheel-tuition-with-studio-dot-tickets-1381589444219%3Faff%3Doddtdtcreator|target:_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
