My name is Armand DesHarnais and I’m opening a studio at 1740 Broadview (at Ocean View Boulevard) in January. I’d like to tell you a little about myself and how Filthy Habit and I have a little different outlook.

I have ADHD and my work in ceramics has been, for many years, not just a career but also essential to my sense of peace. But recently a strange thing seems to be happening: There seems to be almost an ADHD epidemic. And not just among youth; people who were “normal” a few years ago seem to be exhibiting symptoms. A recent study found that the adult American attention span is down to an average of seven seconds. A goldfish has an attention span of eight. And no one has any idea what’s causing this … I’m kidding. Absolutely everyone knows: it’s the phones.

So how can working with clay help? The first way is that (according to another study) working with clay soothes and stimulates the part of the brain (right parietal-temporal lobe) that helps filter out distractions and sustain focus.

The second is that wheel-throwing in particular forces us to move slower than we normally do ever. You simply must slow down, relax and focus to have success.

And the third is the simplest of all: You can’t reach in your pocket and take out your phone even if you want to because your hands are covered with clay! All this adds up to a practice that is inherently meditative, healing, fun and challenging.

If you’d like to know more about ADHD and clay, please visit FilthyHabitClay.com. And while you’re there, why not get holiday gift certificates for classes for those you love and start the new year off with a shared adventure?!