John Jensen on tue 13 may 97
What a marvelous bunch of responses. I wanted to mention that Alice Miller
has written quite a bit about kids and creativity. Her main concerns are
the ways in which we abuse children by making them meet our emotional need,
and the ways in which we consprire not to discuss this situation. One title
is _The Drama of the Gifted Child_.
We charge $10 for an hour and fifteen minutes plus a $10 dollar material
fee. The school takes 25% of the tuition. I spend three hours for every
class. The materials fee is not nearly adequate, considering that most kids
go through ten pounds of clay to make a three pound object and the other
seven lbs are too dry to use without slaking a bit. Still it is a joy and
privilege to work with them.
When we work with the extruder, every one stands in line to pull the lever.
Funniest thing to see a little six year old hanging off the handle, wiggling
legs, trying to be as heavy as possible.
When we mop all the kids want to use the wringer and push the mop bucket
around. They make more of a mess than they clean, but at least they get
some familiarity with the mop (something the adults are often loathe to do)
John Jensen in Annapolis. Mudbug Pottery.
Claymas on sun 25 may 97
have been teaching H.S ceramic for 20 some years now. Joy Joy every year
better than the year before. First semester hand building, second
semester throwing. Do not expect forms in second semester, just
dedication to the process,committment to craftsmanship, an perseverence.
In that way most will complete forms in first 9 weeks, then we investigate
problems, specialize in forms, expand the awareness.
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