You can shit the fans!



You can shit the fans but not the players! It seems like ages ago that I did my first workshop at Mohawk College. I had made the move to the Niagara Peninsula and a pottery angel named Darlene Benner asked me to do a workshop and she gave me all the money. This was a step up bigger than I could have ever imagined. There were full time potters in the group!!!  It is easy to pontificate to the ones that love you but to be taken seriously and listened to by your cotemporaries is quite another thing.  Darlene your contribution to clay has gone way further than Hamilton and region. The boost you gave me has taken the gospel according to Clennell to many parts of the world-USA, Italy, China, Japan . In the next year I am a presenter at the Icheon Festival in Korea, The International Ceramics Festival in Aberystwyth, Wales and then in 2016 the North Carolina Potters Conference. Should I be scared?  Ya, I should be! Is it all talk and not walk? Will I stubble? Will I be the weakest link? These are all the self doubts of February in Ontario where the snow is piled high, the temperature is -29 and no cash is forthcoming. I need a good firing! A good firing always chases the blues away.
That photo is a probably 15 years old and was taken by my buddy Franssie Rood. Gee I must be tuff on blue jeans.

Comments

ShellHawk said…
I know you'll be great! After all, you don't get to be a presenter if you don't know what you're talking about!
Anonymous said…
Tony, I can relate to your mid-winter feelings of inadequacy (nice literary touch, but you know you'll be great)...as the weather takes hold of our creative souls right about now (this is an effin' incredible winter!) and we begin to doubt we can still make pots. I predict that as soon as the temps get above 20F (-6 C) you'll be back to your old self...hopefully I can say the same!
Unknown said…
Agreed ShellHawk! Now while I can totally relate to the insecurities associates with travelling around the world to do a workshop, Tony you are so overdue for the big show. No one I can think of makes clay sing like you do....and after all...they came to YOU! There's a reason for that. No one was coerced or forced to hire you for these gigs, you've worked bloody hard to be in this place, and while the time is slow, enjoy that peace...because it will change. Rest easy, you got this far by being your inestimable self, and that's all you gotta be.
Liz meyers said…
I checked out a video tape of your "Taking the Macho out of Bigware" the same photo is on the cover of that video. With all your coming engagements, I would still like to attend a hands-on workshop closer to home, so please keep that in mind. I am in Michigan, so meanwhile, I will find a tape player, bundle up with a hot cup of tea and watch your video for inspiration.
gz said…
You'll be great...and enjoy yourself.
Anonymous said…
Come back, please do another workshop at Mohawk College, it has been way to long!

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