This week marks the second anniversary of our ongoing pottery collaboration with the talented ceramic artist Pete Ramirez. Over the past two years, Natural Pursuits and Pete have hosted 22 events, bringing together art, community, and nudity.
What started at Pete’s Pottery NYC studio has since moved just around the corner to his new space, Zerimar Clay. Both studios are based in the Hellโs Kitchen neighborhood of New York City.
Our classes have evolved over time, offering more than just wheel-throwing. Together, weโve hosted slip pottery sessions and pot-painting classes, even sending participants home with their hand painted pottery and a complementary plant. These events have been a space for exploration, not just in art but also in self-expression and community building.
While the majority of these events are camera-free, I’ve captured the fun a few times – with everyone’s consent, of course. These photos accompany this piece.
How It All Started
The collaboration between Natural Pursuits and Pete Ramirez with a casual conversation. Shortly after Pete opened his first studio, I attended a pottery class with friends. As we chatted during the session, I mentioned Natural Pursuits and Pete said, โIโve always wanted to have a nudist class.
Without hesitation, I responded, โOkay. Letโs do it.โ Pete looked at me, perhaps expecting some doubt, and said, โIโm serious.โ โSo am I,โ I replied. We held our first class the next month.
I once asked Pete why he wanted to host a naked class and he described his inspiration: โIโve taken many nude art drawing classes and always loved it. I often wondered what it would be like to participate in other art forms besides drawing. Since Iโm a ceramic artist, as soon as I had my own studio, I started to get inspired, thinking about how I could connect people together with a clothing-free class. I feel like it was serendipity meeting you.โ
The feeling was very mutual.
Your Hosts
What to Expect as an Attendee
The class begins once everyone has arrived. After quick introductions, participants disrobe, and Pete gives a demonstration on working with clay. I usually make a few lewd jokes during this partโnot just for laughs, but because it genuinely helps people remember the steps.
Once the demonstration is done, everyone gets to work. Pete walks around offering one-on-one guidance, helping people troubleshoot and improve their techniques. Iโve learned enough from attending 22 classes to give some basic pointers, but I mostly yap and get in the way. More than once, someone has told me, โPhil, Iโm trying to concentrate.โ
At the end of the session, participants choose their favorite piece to be glazed and fired. Peteโs team takes care of the glazing and firing, and the finished pieces are ready for pickup in about a week.
The atmosphere is relaxed, supportive, and hands-on. Itโs about trying something new, getting a little messy, and getting something you made yourself.
Join Us This Month!
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this two-year milestone, weโre grateful for the community that has grown around these events and for the creative partnership with Pete Ramirez. Several people have come to 8 or more classes and it’s always great to see their faces and their progress. From clay to community, these events continue to embody the spirit of Natural Pursuitsโexploring creativity, connection, and authenticity in new and exciting ways.
Hereโs to many more years of collaboration, creation, and connection at Zerimar Clay!
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