Clint Pulley on sat 21 nov 98
In the 70s/early 80s I was a fairly active hobby potter but in 1982 I
stopped working with clay (family, job, other interests). Being a chronic
pack-rat I stowed the wheel, 2 kilns, tools & materials in a back corner
of the basement where they gathered dust & cobwebs for 16 years. Three
weeks ago I had to move all the pottery gear to make room for a plumbing
repair. Somehow this rekindled my interest and I cleaned off the cobwebs,
checked out the kiln wiring, inventoried my materials and set up the
wheel. I bought some clay and last night took the plunge, hoping that I
hadn't forgotten everything. I wedged up 3 balls of clay and, to my great
surprise and joy, proceeded to throw a bowl and two 4"-5" cylinders!
Somehow, as soon as I touched the spinning clay I felt "at home" and knew
what to do.
I know that a lot of practise is needed to get back to where I was in '82
and I also have to remember how to dry, trim, decorate, glaze & fire etc.
but my success on the wheel last night gives me a good start.
If there are any other "lapsed" potters reading this list I hope that my
experience will encourage you to try it again. Throwing on the wheel is like
riding a bicycle - you never really forget.
Clint
--
H.C. (Clint) Pulley, Head of Computer Services
National Water Research Institute, Environment Canada (905) 336-4930
Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, Ontario
Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open. -James Dewar
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