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