Ever wonder how a simple block of clay finds its soul?

Today I take you inside the "Asylum"—the Clay Center at Unity Pond Pottery—to watch the birth of a "Natural Man."

It starts with the raw basics: a lump of clay and the sturdy handle of an old wooden paddle. With a few rhythmic thumps and two strategic cuts, the form begins to emerge. There’s no need to stress over technique—it’s all about using your thumbs, fingers, and whatever feels right to coax the figure out of the mud.

Halfway through the process, our little friend starts to look a bit like Gumby, but with a little more "leg room" and some careful squeezing, he begins to take on a life of his own.

From the tilt of his head to the way he sits (not because he’s lazy, but because it’s easier to work on him that way!), every "Natural Man" has his own personality.

By the time the facial features and fingers are added, he’s ready to join the rest of the "Underground" family. We’ve got "Natural Men" in every stage—some just born yesterday, others drying on the racks, and all of them ready to give a little high-five to the world.