Thoughts on function from 2015
Deep in thought!
I got a note from a friend in Miss iss i pp in your eye (Mississippi) . That's how we learned to spell it in Grade school and of course we would all giggle.
Here is a portion of the note:
"Sometime, if it works, could you share your thought on function. The” why’s” you mentioned awhile back . Am out here in the ‘wilderness’ with very little support or input most of the time."
I got a note from a friend in Miss iss i pp in your eye (Mississippi) . That's how we learned to spell it in Grade school and of course we would all giggle.
Here is a portion of the note:
"Sometime, if it works, could you share your thought on function. The” why’s” you mentioned awhile back . Am out here in the ‘wilderness’ with very little support or input most of the time."
My response:
I talk a lot about the why we do things in pottery versus how we do things. But me on function that is a whole other kettle of fish. I really don't care much about it. I have lots of pots around here that don't function all that well but I have learned to use them. Most of all these pots function for me on a visual level. I love looking at them. I have a few teapots that don't pour all that well, one where the holes looked like they were blew out with a shot gun, a jug with a handle so wide and big I need to prop it up against the wall so that it doesn't fall over, a cup with the handle so close you can't get one finger in it, a couple of plates that act lazy susans. I love these pots including their issues. I was going to say faults but I caught myself. Let's just say the pots have their own unique personality like all of us do. We are not Ken and Barbie the perfect people of the world. I was taught to look longest and hardest at the work you don't like for that is the work you need to learn from. It is easy to go to a gallery and only look at the work that reminds you of your own aesthetic and artistic sensibilities.
Here is a pic Richard Rowe took of me deep in thought at a critique of our wood fire mentor group. So Mississippi if you ever have a chance invite potter friends for a pot luck and critique or go somewhere where pot talk happens. I am pretty sure my mentor ship group will tell you the crit post firing is one of the most important parts of the learning process.
I talk a lot about the why we do things in pottery versus how we do things. But me on function that is a whole other kettle of fish. I really don't care much about it. I have lots of pots around here that don't function all that well but I have learned to use them. Most of all these pots function for me on a visual level. I love looking at them. I have a few teapots that don't pour all that well, one where the holes looked like they were blew out with a shot gun, a jug with a handle so wide and big I need to prop it up against the wall so that it doesn't fall over, a cup with the handle so close you can't get one finger in it, a couple of plates that act lazy susans. I love these pots including their issues. I was going to say faults but I caught myself. Let's just say the pots have their own unique personality like all of us do. We are not Ken and Barbie the perfect people of the world. I was taught to look longest and hardest at the work you don't like for that is the work you need to learn from. It is easy to go to a gallery and only look at the work that reminds you of your own aesthetic and artistic sensibilities.
Here is a pic Richard Rowe took of me deep in thought at a critique of our wood fire mentor group. So Mississippi if you ever have a chance invite potter friends for a pot luck and critique or go somewhere where pot talk happens. I am pretty sure my mentor ship group will tell you the crit post firing is one of the most important parts of the learning process.
Oh at your pot luck make sure it is potters that will give ya the truth and not tell ya everything you make is just so darn pretty and wonderful. When I can I'm coming back to Mississippi. We have stuff undone. Best, T
Comments
All the best Sandra(Sandy)Upgield
And I think Tony Clennell quips and thoughts would look great on aprons! No sizing issues:)
Thankyou for your generous spirit today. I’ll view the class again and enjoy even more.
Catherine