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median of clayarters, school, etsy

updated mon 14 jan 08

 

Cindy Buehler on sun 13 jan 08


I am 40 years old. I have been working with clay for almost 9 years. I
thought it had been 10 years, but I found my very first pot the other day
while cleaning out cabinets. It says 5/99 on the bottom. I don't have any
formal training in clay just lots of time at the clay guild before I got
my own kiln and wheel. I am also addicted to workshops and looking forward
to Robin Hopper and Lynnn Smiser Bowers this year. I posted a pic of my
first pot on my flicker site http://flickr.com/photos/cinderelish I'd be
interested in seeing other "first pots" if anyone would like to share.

My school experience was much like the one Mel and others described. I had
a few miserable teachers who hated being there and since I felt the same
way, we made it hard on each other. I did have a Ruth or two who managed
to help me through. My experience convinced me to homeschool my daughter.
She did not attend school until 5th grade. She is now in 7th grade and an
A+ student. Teachers remark about her confidence, maturity and ability to
problem solve. John Taylor Gatto's book Dumbing Us Down really hit home
with me.

I currently have an etsy shop and have had some success. I haven't listed
much there in a while because my camera went missing at last year's NCECA
and I haven't mastered my new one yet. Anyway, the small success I have
had on etsy has encouraged me to increase production. I am trying to move
clay from a hobby to a career. I have so much to learn and I want to thank
everyone here for sharing their stories so freely.

Cindy
cinderelish.com