It’s just one piece of “tactile writing” that Lichtenstein has incorporated into her class.
“I’ve been very interested in the tactile process of writing, of creating something physical that corresponds with the steps of crafting a story or a poem,” said Lichtenstein. “For some students, creating tactilely is a safe experience, and for others, trying something new was at first anxiety-provoking and then exhilarating as they broke through their fear of failing.”
Lichtenstein also worked with Stephanie Rozene, professor of art, to bring students to the clay studio in the Anderson Center to design and make their own clay bowls.
“To my delight, my students enjoyed the experience,” she said. “They really allowed themselves almost instantly to work outside their place of comfort and expertise.”
After the workshop, students were asked to reflect on what they learned.
“I have not worked with clay since elementary school,” wrote Sage Hart ‘27. “But this was so much more than just making a bowl. I was able to get in touch with the creative side of my brain and just let the ideas flow.”
Lichtenstein hopes to incorporate journal-making as a permanent part of her creative writing classes, as well as run separate workshops on the process that would be open to all students.
“I want to show participants that journaling is about creating a safe space,” she said.
