tony clennell on sat 15 sep 07
Hi gang: I read a bit of the last weeks goings on and I'm glad to be out of
the country. I'm usually the target!
Been here in China a week and we have done and seen so much it feels more
like a couple of weeks. Shanghai for 3 nights- that is truly raw capitalism.
Within minutes on the street you could have anything your little heart
desires. there were many poor beggars and many Rolex watches for sale. The
one student bought the Rolex for about $40 and it is now missing time and is
tarnished. Who'd a thunk it???. Nothing is built here to last. What a
contrast to my recent trip to Italy where quality surrounds you. We made a
16 train trip from Shanghai to Jingdezhen in this little cabin with 6 bunk
beds 3 high and the poorer Chinese outside in the aisles on seats. The food
I feared has been absolutely delicous. Here at Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute
the food and people are wonderful and I have very satisfactory digs. On a
scale of 1-10 they are better than what I lived in at Logan. I went to a
movie last night at the porcelain factory and was in the same room as ric
Swenson but we didn't meet. Apparently he is one floor below me in my
residence.
We had a throw in the studio for the past couple of days. he throws 2 tons a
day. I think he was on a bit of a holiday because he only threw about 3000
lbs.
We start classes on Monday and John has arranged 1 hour language class per
day so although I have no ear for language I think it best to do it every
day rather than 3 hours a week of overload and then you forget everything.
Most of what I made in the past few days has cracked. this clay doesn't like
altering or additions at least wet to leather hard so i am a rank beginner
with this stuff. Humility is my first lesson.
Just wanted y'all to know I'm here and settled and busy.
I'll keep putting some pics up if you're interested and I will check in to
see if there has been any Clayart murders.
Be well,
Tony
--
http://sourcherrypottery.com
http://smokieclennell.blogspot.com
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