The Blemish

The "Blemish" may be essential to the beauty. Here are a couple of close ups of pots in my collection. One a vase by Japanese potter Ryogi Matsumiya and the other a cup by Mathew Scheiman of Florida. For many these scars would be imperfections and would be regarded as flaws and pots to be discarded. I see the blemish as the very core of the strength of the pots. I just spent 5 days in beautiful Northern Ontario biking and kayaking surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature. Rocks, trees, waves, lava flowing down thru layers of rock, rocks covered with algae,moss and beautiful stains. Stains we would go to great lengths to scrub off our floors, tablecloths, shirts and cars. Beautiful scars that we would rub smooth so that they would be unnoticeable. Nature, pots and people have scars that are crucial to their beauty. Barbie and Ken wth their unrealistic bodies are what many want. Not me!

Spending time with Nature's blemishes has inspired me to get back to the studio. I have always looked at books, my collection, visits to other potters,galleries but none of this compares with what Mother Nature can teach us if we are astute enough to look. Look closely my brothers and sisters.