I had the great privilege of visiting the workshops of Bernard Leach in St Ives, Cornwall, a few. months ago, where I saw the first Noborigama kiln built in the West. I’ve rarely seen a workplace where the principles of Zen craftsmanship were more evident. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Leach
In my experience, the best work seems to arrive of itself, when I am in harmony with the material, be it physical, or mental (like writing a poem). The striving might be there in the beginning, but it falls away in connecting to the process of listening and responding to the material.
The examples I see of your ceramics are so beautiful, I can't help but think this is happening with you, too- though I know it takes a lot of wobbles to get there! Though I must say, wobbly is beautiful, too.
Sometimes the crooked and non uniform pieces can be more beautiful and just as useful. We don’t have to always color inside the lines, it doesn’t mean we are problematic if we venture “out there”. Just curious maybe.
I had the great privilege of visiting the workshops of Bernard Leach in St Ives, Cornwall, a few. months ago, where I saw the first Noborigama kiln built in the West. I’ve rarely seen a workplace where the principles of Zen craftsmanship were more evident. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Leach
In my experience, the best work seems to arrive of itself, when I am in harmony with the material, be it physical, or mental (like writing a poem). The striving might be there in the beginning, but it falls away in connecting to the process of listening and responding to the material.
The examples I see of your ceramics are so beautiful, I can't help but think this is happening with you, too- though I know it takes a lot of wobbles to get there! Though I must say, wobbly is beautiful, too.
Getting honest feedback helps an artist to grow.
Accepting honest feedback can be difficult, though.
Sometimes the crooked and non uniform pieces can be more beautiful and just as useful. We don’t have to always color inside the lines, it doesn’t mean we are problematic if we venture “out there”. Just curious maybe.
Thank you for sharing! ❤️
🙏🏻
Yes, it is very hard. Especially when we think they are wrong. The problem is when there are 5 feedbacks and we feel 4 are wrong. 😅