Rachel Campbell on mon 16 oct 06
Hi all,
Just a note (a few days late) to thank all those who were kind enough to
give critiques/opinions/suggestions/thoughts etc. about my latest
"generation" of African Violet pots... In the midst of my juggling act
(otherwise known as life with kids, clay and jobs in and out of the home),
I didn't manage to respond to everyone personally. And most of the time,
if I didn't respond personally, it was because you gave me a ton to
digest. Lots of new ideas, tweaks, directions for me to try, and things to
think about. Very helpful.
One thing I found interesting-- a couple of people (Elizabeth Priddy, Ellen
Currans) made the comment that the designs/colors/etc. didn't "say African
Violet" to them... I was thinking about this (the comment makes sense),
and realized maybe why... Although I initially started doing these pots
with African Violets in mind (at least to some degree), I actually don't
GROW African violets... The only things I am ever truly motivated to try to
keep alive indoors are herbs that I can use in the kitchen... So I don't
actually see my pots with African Violets in them on an ongoing basis
(although I've put violets in them for a sale), but rather, the plants I
SEE living in my pots, practically speaking, on a daily basis, are chives,
basil, cilantro, etc. ... Which probably "fit" better with the styles I've
been working with. Duh... Amazing how the mind works.
So, what to do, what to do??? I dunno... call them "self-watering herb
planters?" Maybe (for the NEXT generation) I should make an attempt at
keeping a "non functional" plant alive indoors ;-) and then think about
other designs/glazes, to go for a compromise... One reason I started
making these, though, was that the only "African Violet" pots I could find
(on ebay--my tried and true test of what's available in the world at large)
were slip-cast, frilly, delicate-looking things, maybe with pretty flowers
painted on them... reminds me of the "paint-a-pot" shop ware. And it just
isn't my thing... my mother-in-law would love them, but I was hoping for
something salt/soda fired. ;-) So I figured I'd try my hand at a "pottery"
version.
In terms of marketing, though, for the upcoming Guild sale, I think I'll
display a couple of these with plants... one an African Violet, and another
with maybe some of my kitchen herbs. Just to hedge my bets. ;-)
Again, thanks for the feedback! You all are awesome.
Rachel in Odenton, MD
http://DownToThePottersHouse.com
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