Fred

Fred

On the way back to Chicago, I stopped at Hannibal, Missouri to take in some of the art there.  I made sure to stop at Ayers Pottery which sells beautiful work, both functional and nonfunctional. 

I was surprised that Fred, a production potter at Ayers, remembered me from my visit a few years ago.  Fred is one of the nicest, easy going guys you could meet.  He cordially showed us around the studio, introducing us to Steve Avery's newly fired work, and he also let me throw on his wheel!

Everyone you meet has a message for you from the universe and Fred was no different. We chatted about how production pottery is the "bread and butter" component of a pottery business.  His efficient, yet skillfull execution of pieces make up the bulk of the sales while the large work demonstrates the thought placed new forms.  Our talk underscored the symbiotic relationship between production pottery and patient innovation. 

It will be good to visit with him again next year!

Addictions

There's a certain amount of obsessive behavior in making art.  My slight OCD helps get through some of the repetitive and tedious tasks involved in art making.  But when things get too tedious, Netflix helps. 

I've watched full seasons of TV shows while glazing.  That includes everything from "Ugly Betty" to "Legend of the Seeker" to "Orange is the New Black."  I used to feel glazing was the hardest part of ceramics, but now I look forward to it.  But I hate to admit it, I'm a Netflix addict.  I can watch an entire season in four days. I can knock out an entire series in one glaze cycle.  

And I'm really excited for the next cycle!

Functional and nonfunctional

My first day at Lill Street I was asked if I was a functional or nonfunctional potter.  It was the first time someone tried to label my art.  I realize that for many, the difference between functional and nonfunctional is the difference between crafter and artist.  I'm always cognizant of this line.  I think perhaps too cognizant. 

Small bowl.  Glazed and soda fired.

Although I've been told many times that I always have something to say,  the truth is I don't, and when I don't have anything to say with my art, I play with my clay and make functional forms.  But lately, I've really not had much on my mind, so I've been making A LOT of functional pieces, and I'm feeling terrible about it, like somehow I'm not living up to my potential.   I realize that it's because I don't want to be a crafter.  For some reason that label bothers me.  Maybe it's because I've heard people use the label with a "less than" air about it, and now I'm feeling "less than" for what I'm doing.

But it's at these times I hear Professor a Jolly telling me, "you're going to meet a lot of snobs in this business,"  and hear her words of encouragement telling me to just create what I want to create. 

Rice Bowls

A trip into Chinatown a few weeks ago inspired me to create some rice bowls.   In the shops, I saw several very intricately designed and many engineered with a chop stick rest. The rice bowls were gorgeous.  

I love functional design. I know in creating something functional there's always a chance of crossing over into being a 'crafter,' but my graphic design background taught me to appreciate what is purposeful while well engineered and beautifully decorated.  It's strange how excited I am to etch into one of these bowls I'm creating. Designing embellishments around functionality is so much fun to me!

Taking a Break...

For me, leaning is an ongoing process, and I'm proud that I keep learning new skills. 

New Storage

Last year, I was lucky enough to have an advanced art student who told the most interesting story about how his father wanted him to learn how to build a house.  His father bought a parcel of land in Wisconsin, and for a year, my student, his father, and his brother traveled to Wisconsin to build their get-away-home.  They did everything from laying foundation, to plumbing, to electrical, to the finishes.  I was so impressed!  I never heard of such a thing!  And then I put his knowledge to good use.  I facilitated access to the school's woodshop and he was able to use his woodworking skills to build armature, and frames for his artwork.  In doing so, he taught me about the different saws and tools.  

Later, I asked my friend, our theater's technical director, to talk me through building portable shelves for my upcoming art fairs.  Thanks to his patience, tutelage, and power tools, I had new skills.  I highly doubt anyone would ever want to pay me for any of my wood works, but what I make will serve my purposes!

After months of deadline driven ceramic work, I am finally taking a week long break. I use the term "break" very loosely, because I've been making storage for my work space.  And while I'm sawing and hammering away, my mind drifts to my next clay works.  I can't wait to get my hands in my clay again, and I relish this time when, for a short while, I don't have any deadlines and I can take time to play with form and design.

Let go...

I know we're going to see each other in a few weeks.  I know when we do you're going to ask me if I've been throwing a lot. You've asked me before, and quite honestly, I never know how to answer.  I know you want to  throw a lot and I don't want you to feel badly when I answer that I have.  

But you have to remember I'm at a different place in my life than you are.  My kids are bigger and more independent than yours.   And I'm taking full advantage of that.  My evenings are spent on clay, yours, on bedtime routines.  Your time will come. But when it does, don't be so quick to give it away.  Guard your time with your art.  It's as fleeting as your time with your kids. And like time with your children, time with your art needs to be acknowledge as the gift that it is and defended.   

But I can see that's only part of the problem.  Fear also holds you back.  Fear of not being good enough. Fear of having your art open to public criticism. And the most stifling fear of all- the fear of having no excuse for failure other than your own shortcomings.  I see that all the time.  It's why everyone makes excuses about why they don't have time to do their art.  If you really want to do clay, then do it.   Let go do the fear and excuses.   Make the time.  Make art part of your habit. Make art part of your life.  

Spirit Women

I've spent some time creating what I call my Spirit Women.  

Spirit Women I

One day while working with clay, I was in deep thought over the late Professor Marva Jolly and her Old People Say series.  Like Professor Jolly and many people, I think our elders can guide us, even after death.  But once they pass over, their guidance can become elusive or difficult to connect with.  My Spirit Women are about these elusive connections.

Spirit Women II

I made two pots, choosing this form because Professor Jolly made them frequently, although mine are not as large as hers.  The first, pictured to the right, I made while remembering how she told me not to be so concerned with making everything smooth and perfect because I was "taking the character out of it."  The second, pictured on the left, I did in my own vision.  I enjoyed making these pots and remembering.  I know I'll be making more.