Tony Clennell- Tap Dancer

Whenever I go to make these cups I think of my friend Bob Reimer of Alberta. I first met Bob at an Alberta Potters Conference and we were in a show together. He had these little cups in the show and I think every potter bought one. I saw many cups like them in Volterra , Tuscany at this wonderful museum of Etruscan artifacts. I’m almost sure Bob was referencing these cups with his soft clay and slow wheel. .

Bob left us too soon at the age of 57. Here is a pic of the handsome devil.

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research. 

Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian, anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car. Being a potter is a faith, a calling, a dedication to a set of values, a lifestyle, a brother/sisterhood. Geezus, Dan shouldn’t have called me a Zen potter prophet cause I’m making all this weird shit up now.

Being a potter is more than a few courses at the Guild and an Etsy account. I think what I have been reminiscing is what would now be called the dinosaurs club. Those that have a solid foundation in the craft. It took me a lot of years before I had the nerve to call myself a potter. I haven't said it takes schoolin' but I am saying it takes a lot of self education, time in the studio working and hanging with the best you can. Wanna play better pool

- then play somebody who is better. 

My Dad insisted I take tap dancing lessons when I was a kid. Gee, thanks Dad! I don’t call myself Tony Clennell Tap Dancer.