David Hendley on fri 5 feb 99
Everyone in my neck of the woods already knows about
him, but I'd like to say few words about John Logan.
He was the owner of Texas Pottery Supply until his sudden
death last year.
John lost an arm in a pugmill accident 20 years ago.
We all thought he would quit his clay making business and
move on to a less physical pursuit.
Well, the only thing greater than his love of making pots
was his determination. After a few years of practice he was
throwing pots that any two-armed potter would be proud to
claim. Any piece less than a couple of pounds he could just
throw with one hand, centering with thumb on top and
fingers on the side, and throwing with opposing thumb
and fingers.
Anything taller than mug-height, he used the coil-and-throw
technique, adding a few inches of height at a time.
He made 10 pound vases, 12 or 14 inches tall and 14 inch
diameter bowls.
Actually, I sometimes just naturally use the one-handed
throwing technique for small off-the-hump pieces.
I don't know if a 13 year old boy who's not really that
interested could master this technique, but then learning
to throw with two hands also requires some determination.
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
At 07:45 AM 2/4/99 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Hi Tim-
> I' ve known a boy in the summer camp where I run the pottery shop
for the
>last 5 years. He's 13 now. Due to a malignant brain tumor, now history
thank
>goodness, he has very limited use of his left arm, and no use of his left
>hand. I wonder each year about how to challenge him. We work at the wheel
>together, me opposite him, and it's not great but it's something. He made a
>terrific dragon sculpture, funny and creative, this summer. Any suggestions
>what I can do to keep the muse flowing for him? I know you've given the
>subject much thought... he's more into sports than art, but is there a
>technique that's better for one hand potting? TIA
>
>Mimi Stadler
>Hillside, NJ
>
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