On a rainy Sunday morning, we gathered for a pottery workshop at JVS, dedicated to some of the smallest yet most essential creatures on our planet: bees. Led by Amy Wilson, a ceramicist passionate about Judaica art and community projects, and organised by Simone Stern, our JVS Community Garden Lead, the session invited participants of all ages to create beautiful ceramic bee watering bowls. Many of us made two feeders: one for the JVS garden and one to take home.
With 12 participants, the atmosphere was collaborative and fun. We swapped ideas, shared tools, and watched each person’s design take shape. Some simple, some detailed, the artworks became unique creations of natural beauty. We were inspired by natural shapes, forms and textures around us – fresh flowers, bark, leaves, and everyone’s own ideas and creativity in the workshop.
Amy opened the workshop by reminding us of Judaism's deep agricultural roots reflecting on our ancient relationship caring for bees and all animals, a reminder that our ancestors understood the importance of the tiny pollinators—something we often forget today.
We reflected on how bees play a crucial role in human life, pollinating plant food that sustains us. As bees need water to survive, watering stations offer bees a safe place to drink, keep hydrated especially during hot weather, cool their nests, feed their young, and dilute honey.
Using clay templates, leaf shapes, cookie cutters and rolling pins, we crafted shallow bowls topped with small stones to give bees secure landing spots while they drink.
We enjoyed a beautiful workspace—tables decorated with fresh flowers, fairy lights, visual resources and cutter templates, to help guide our designs – provided by Simone. All the thoughtful details she brought created a warm and inspiring atmosphere, her efforts producing the event materials, communications—all as a volunteer.
Now we look forward to seeing our creations again after Amy fires and glazes them in bee-friendly blue—transforming the soft clay into lasting of functional pieces, sure to be appreciated by the bees.
To find out more about Amy´s work, visit: https://www.amywilsonpottery.com/