The Giving Tree

I posted 4 cups this morning to Instagram and while mowing the lawn it occurred to me that all 4 were cups from my former students who have become my clay family. I guess this is how a family tree begins. Andrew, Jen and Emma are the bark, the roots, the moss, the texture the marks of process and Arrow is the lovely flower. A store owner said recently it is easy for even non potters to like and appreciate Arrow's work.
Harder maybe to understand the skill in Andrew's expressive trimming and nasty surfaces.  Hard for a non potter to appreciate the time Emma and Jen have put into making exceptional handles and signature surfaces.
I was reminded of Shel Silversteins The Giving Tree.
Friendship interpretation. One writer believes that the relationship between the boy and the tree is one of friendship. As such, the book teaches children "as your life becomes polluted with the trappings of the modern world — as you 'grow up' — your relationships tend to suffer if you let them fall to the wayside."

I also read The Giving Tree was pulled from Colorado Public libraries for being sexist and for targeting the forest industry. Yikes, it makes ya want to stop writing. 
Andrew Kellner aka Mr. K

Jen Drysdale- Experiential Learner #2

Emma Smith aka "M"

Annemarie Row  aka Arrow
Then this morning NC Jen put this up on Facebook.
I have surrounded myself with good artists making good work and thankfully they come back to swing in the old tree. No matter the distance we are always in contact. Last night I got a text from M  as the kiln was firing and being put to bed at 1 am. I wasn't there in person but my soul was. 
I read the The Giving Tree to my kids and now to my grand kids. I remember reading it to Abby my middle grand daughter at Christmas and her squealing with delight "read it again, Grandpa" after reading it twice out loud already. 
Let's always be in touch my friends. Love, Tony

Comments

JLK Jewelry said…
Without our friends, what are we. Such a great post and a reminder to some that there is nothing more important than our friends, they always stick by you.
Anonymous said…
“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.”
– Winnie the Pooh
Anonymous said…
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
– Marcel Proust
Anonymous said…
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. William Arthur Ward

mark the potter
gz said…
A clay family is good...and one mug can inspire memories of that person.
smartcat said…
Thanks for your insightful words. And the photos of some dynamite cups/mugs.
Anonymous said…
The Actual '73 Giving Tree Movie Spoken By Shel Silverstein

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TZCP6OqRlE

That tree needed to set some boundaries.
Tony Clennell said…
I agree with above. It is a sad commentary on parenting. Once boundaries have been crossed it is hard to set new ones. The tree gave it's arms, legs and eventually it's life. TC
Anonymous said…
Getting your Halloween costume ready?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3MYqslB5tb/

Somebody is going to be most popular again this year,
besides our own Mr. Dress Up.

EZ
Anonymous said…
Opinionated and needing to express yourself,
try a Dump Trump Cup.

https://squareup.com/store/peter-scherr-ceramics

PS
Anonymous said…
On Trump's reading list, although we're not too sure he can read.

How to Lose a Country: The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship

See what Putin's and Trump's plans are for the next 4 years.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BydMgmTlgSm/
Anonymous said…
Support Greta Thunberg protest for the environment.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B21WLjtBV7N/

Anonymous said…
One gutsy girl can change the world.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2x9btYA8Zd/

Popular Posts