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the morning's art challenge

updated wed 29 jul 09

 

Neal on tue 28 jul 09


The North Carolina Museum of Art used to have the Mary Duke
Biddle Gallery for the Blind. It was one of my favorite
parts of the museum when I was a child.

There is an article here about what happened to the works
from that gallery when the museum relocated in 1982:

http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=3D19677

I was glad to learn that the pieces are still being used--
and that the museum continues programming for people with
visual impairments.

As far as my own work goes, it's primarily functional. I
make a lot of small vases, especially ikebana inspired ones.
I am amazed at the number of people who will pick up a vase
with fresh flowers in it and dump water on themselves.
Apparently they don't make the connection that fresh flowers
need water to remain fresh looking.

But in general, I always encourage people to touch my pots,
even children. I've only had a few broken ones in a dozen
years--and they've been broken by careless adults, never by
a child.

Neal W. O'Briant
Raleigh, N.C.