pam easley on sun 21 feb 99
With all the input about the various workshops you've all been doing
lately, I had to put my 2 bits worth in about Eric Midling's recent tour
of several pottery centers in and around Oaxaca, Mexico.
It was a fabulous experience!! If any of you have a yen to see some
fantastic scenery, see how pottery was, and is, made by Zapotec and Mixe
people in the tiny villages surrounding Oaxaca, and just generally have
an indescribable experience, TAKE ONE OF THESE TOURS.
There were 5 of us, plus 2 leaders, Eric and Ana. We saw the serenity of
the indiginous people we visited, and were more than amazed at the
pottery they produced. Coil built pots will have a whole new meaning
for you, believe me. These potters defy any and all "rules" we think we
need, and come up with exquisite pieces. The cooking vessels we saw
fired for about an hour in a bon-fire kiln really are cooking safe on a
regular 20th century gas stove -- I've tried it!
The week long village tour only made us all salivate to come back and
take part in the hands-on workshop next year. So crank up those wheels
and hand building schedules, folks, and make a place in your budget for
Eric's workshop or village tour -- or take them both, back to back. And
be prepared to buy some of the work you see built along the way. Eric
can have everything packed and ready for hauling on the plane in a great
big basket. No extra baggage fees, either, if it's your 2nd piece
checked.
The next time you see Eric post a notice of one of his adventures,
answer immediately. It was beyond description -- we all loved it!!
Pam, in windy, wet Seattle (but tan from that high mountain Oaxaca sun)
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