Liz Willoughby on tue 20 jun 00
>
Dear Tony,
Somehow I knew that you couldn't let this one alone.
Yep, you are right, shino crazes, and so does ash, BUT, we fire high,
and our clay bodies are almost completely vitreous, which I think
renders them pretty safe to use for function. A lot of beginners,
use electric, cone 6 and 04, where the clay is not vitreous when
fired, and if the glaze is crazing might be a safety issue.
About the handles. I believe that if you are buying a piece to look
at, that is for it's visual qualities, it doesn't matter so much if
there is a sharp edge.
However, I don't want my customers to cut their hand, or to even feel
a sharpness when they are cradling a cup in their hands first thing
in the morning. I need to be soothed in the morning. Sometimes you
have to make a choice when you make functional work. Visual versus
function, the best functional pots I think marry the two.
I have a wonderful Linda Christianson mug. It is thrown loosely, but
with a very comfortable handle to hold.
Chris asked,
>Here is a question for you all.
>
> What are the minimum skills and standards a beginning potter should
>master before they consider submitting their functional ware for sale to the
>general public?
So I think for the "beginning" potter, they should be taught to make
pots that are pleasing to hold, won't scratch tables, with durable
glazes. They need to learn the BASICS first, and later, they can
develop their own "aesthetic".
Of course, I think that the Guild that you are referring to, SHOULD
recognize that wood fired pots, and crawly shino surfaces are
wonderful on certain pieces. There is an aesthetic there that can't
be denied. Sometimes rules are meant to be broken, and sometimes
not. Maybe each piece should be judged on it's own merit.
You make wonderful jugs. I have two of them. I have two of your and
Sheila's teapots, a baker, and a serving dish. God knows what else.
Their bottoms are smooth, and there are (mostly !) no sharp edges on
the handles. They are fresh looking though, and not overworked. To me
they balance perfectly the visual and the functional.
Tony you just love a good argument, STIR THAT STEW IN A STANDARDS POT.
Best, Meticulously Loose Liz
>Dear Liz: We all know your love of the shino glaze. Is there one in
>existence that doesn't craze? Does that glaze meet the with the standards
>by which potters should make pots. A lovely ash glaze almost guaranteed to
>craze. You see I only us two glazes- ash and shino. Glaze faults to most
>and qualities to cherish for me.
>My favourite handle has a ridge that I work to make a sharp fin edge with
>my thumbnail. I watch people run their finger along it. They are playing
>with something that makes them want to handle it. Perhaps they are
>courting danger???
>I own a favourite Linda Christianson jug that I have to prop up against the
>wall for fear it will fall over. To me it functions very well. It provides
>a "visual" function. When I bought it I knew what I was buying, knew it
>had to be propped up and knew I would love it to death for years. By the
>way it also has a whooping big handle that is impossible to get your hand
>around. That handle has been an inspiration to me for many of the pots I
>now make.
>I loved the recent article in CM by Jeff O of Minnesota where he has had a
>30 year love affair with a jug at Warren Mackenzies. The jug sports some
>cones that stuck to the pot in the firing. Would that jug meet the
>standards set out by our list.
>My local guild is laughing at this post. We have danced together on this
>issue. When the standards get to stringent you loose out by not having the
>likes of our Eric Wong show up at your guild show. Crawled, crazed, wobbly,
>sea shell scars on the bottoms of pots. He is not saying he is above
>standards but they are not part of his eastern cultural standards. I guess
>it also makes Sheila and I unwelcome guests.
>It may be interesting to hear from one of our Chinese or Japanese
>Clayarters on standards of an eastern culture guild versus those in the
>west.
>Liz has a collection of loosey goosey pots. She loves them loose but hangs
>on to the nurse in her for her own pots. Standards must be stringent.
>That is why she is- Meticously loose Liz.
>Just adding a potato to the Standards stew.
>cheers,
>Tony
>
>
>Tony and Sheila Clennell
>Sour Cherry Pottery
>4545 King St.
>Beamsville, On.
>Canada L0R 1B1
>
>http://www.sourcherrypottery.com
>
> 905-563-9382
> fax 905-563-9383
Liz Willoughby
R.R. 1
2903 Shelter Valley Rd.
Grafton, Ontario
Canada. K0K 2G0
e-mail, lizwill@phc.igs.net
| |
|
