Pottery Influences

The beginning of a new year is a good time to reflect on life, why we do what we do, live where we live, act the way we do, and for potters, why we make the kinds of pots that we do.  What are the various influences in our lives that have helped us choose our paths?  I had an opportunity to ponder some of these questions out loud last night with a group of potters at their monthly guild meeting here in Ottawa. It's an interesting exercise to go through--to think about the influences in our lives (especially the positive ones) and take a moment to gratefully acknowledge them.  Or to consider new paths, I suppose.

I've been working in clay a long time--over 30 years--so it's a bit dangerous to start at the beginning, when the intervening years have been so rich with experiences that have informed the work I do.  But it's impossible not to acknowledge the beginning, and for me it was college pottery courses I took for the 4 years I attended in Indiana.  My prof there was encouraging in quite a laid back way.  The studio was always open (in my mind I remember working late into the evening/night with others who were bitten by the clay bug).  Recently the alumni magazine published a short tribute to the now emeritus prof, Marvin Bartel.  Also featured were the 30 or so graduates of the classes (it wasn't even a "program" just fell within the art curriculum) who are now making their living with clay. That's a pretty impressive legacy!

Marvin Bartel sitting in the clay swivel chair he made.

This chicken roaster can be pulled along the table for service.

As you can see from Marvin's work, there was a sense of play and experimentation (probably still is....).  This "try it and see what happens" attitude is great in a learning environment and I'm sure many who took his courses learned to adapt that philosophy to other areas of life.

Someone at the presentation last night commented that my work was so different than his--she didn't immediately see the influence.  Which is as it should be.  A Kenyan artist we once worked with used to repeat "copying puts God to sleep"--he even had it painted on the wall outside his gallery.

It would be interesting to get together with some of the others who started their journey working with clay through Marvin's enthusiasm--which we students witnessed on trips to his home where he demonstrated the smooth swivel of his chair (almost to a state of dizziness, as I recall!) and cooked up some eggs in his flameware pots.  He taught us not to limit our horizons when it came to working with clay. Oh yeah, did I say I'm grateful?

Thanks for a great 2015!

2015 was a busy year, trying out a few new shows, adding some new pieces to collections, experimenting with new techniques.  Overall it's been a very good year, thanks to loyal customers and new collectors!  It's been wonderful to meet so many of you at the many, varied shows I attended.  I value your business, your suggestions and your feedback about my pottery that you've been using.  It's very gratifying to know that so many folks appreciate the qualities of handmade pottery.  Makes me anxious to get back in the studio to try out some of those new ideas.  First, though, is Christmas and a bit of a break.  Check back in January for a list of shows I'll be doing in 2016.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

ORIGINALS Christmas Craft Sale Dec.10-20

Getting ready for the last big sale of the year.  You can find me in booth #514 for the entire show with a huge selection of functional, colourful pottery.  (Monday, Dec. 14 the show is closed)

Fisher Park Christmas Craft Show and Sale

I've got a few too many of these items on my shelves, so thought I'd clear some of them out with some bargain baskets! This show is about as close to my house as you can get without being in it...I think this is my 6th year at this fun, well-attended event.

Ottawa Guild of Potters Holiday Sale Nov. 27-29

Nice to see support for local artisans!

It's been great to meet customers who are coming out to the shows, supporting local handcrafted items.  Someone said today, "it must be tiring" (maybe I looked tired.....) but my response is that it's great to meet people who are using my pots and to get feedback from them.  I get lots of solitary time in my studio.  I would never want to spend all my time in the studio, or all my time at shows; this usually feels like a satisfying mix.  Also there are often new ideas presented to me, that get the creative juices flowing.  In the new year when I'm back in my studio, I like to take the time to call up some of those ideas and try out some new directions.  

Nepean Christmas Craft Show all set up and ready for customers

Hintonburg Christmas Craft Fair

Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Sale

I think it's been about 20 years since I participated in this show, but I'll be back this year....this week!  In years past I had a booth in the lower level hall/rink on the ice surface.  This year I'll be upstairs in the warm carpeted environment.  I'll have new soap dispensers and oil/vinegar dispensers along.