Easy Money
Easy Money
Why don’t I
know how to make easy money at pottery? Actually I do know how, I just don't want to do it. Why don’t I just make bowls and pots
with no additions or appendages? Well I have a confession to make to you. I
don’t really enjoy throwing all that much. I’m pretty good at it but it is one of
my least favourite parts of the process. I love trimming, putting pieces
together, making handles, all the little details of finishing, and firing.
I am making
pots for a show at Shane Norrie Contemporary and it occurred to me I have made
nothing that would fit under a 9” post. I also thought I need to make some
affordable items so I thought I’d make some jars and carry on with my new blown
trumpet knob. Well here is the drill for TC’s easy money- 9 jars = 9 lids, 9
knobs, 9 foot rings and 18 handles so a sum total of 54 pieces go
into making my 9 affordable jars. Then let’s add to this 2 bisque firings for
my crackle slip and then a 34 hour wood firing. I think when I was little my
mumma must have smacked me on the head and called me stupid.
The potters
that make money in this bizz throw barely trim, add very little shape or detail, make no additions. Each and every step you take takes time and time is money.
There is a
looooong list of items that people seem to be goobling up- pate dishes,
potpourri pots, incense burners, compost pots, berry bowls, omelette makers,
mason jar flower holders, spoon holders, wine coolers, utensil holders, brie
bakers, and the list goes on. I don’t want to make any of them. I don’t have
them in my house so I don’t see a need to make em!. There lies another lesson
in easy money. You don’t make for you. You make for the marketplace. Imagine a
donut store owner that decides he doesn’t like chocolate donuts so won’t make
them. Artists and their egos. Bacon
holder- I’m holding out for bacon holders to be the new rage. I want to lead
fashion and not follow it- said tongue in cheek.
Mumma why
did you slap me on the back of the head and call me stupid? It has had a long term effect on my career.
Comments
Just an observation. Here in the South (USA) it is next to insane to hang horse shoes without the open end up! All your luck runs out! If those are in fact horse shoes near the ceiling in your studio, run, don't walk and turn them around now!
Just sayin'.
Penny
Potter by the creek~