rocky mann on tue 30 mar 99
I started doing ACC shows in 1972. Back then the idea of exhibiting any
pottery that wasn=B9t cone 10 and handmade was ludicrous. I remember very
clearly the first time I saw slip cast work at an ACC show. I was appalled.
Of course, I was a clay snob schooled in the art of muddy brown wheel thrown
stoneware. Times change and so does acceptability.
Concerning the Ram Pressed / Slip Cast pottery, there are three levels of
judgment. First, the potter: At the shows we all know what Ram Pressed /
Slip Cast is and who is doing it and we all have our various opinions.
Second, the gallery owner: Some know and discriminate, some know what sells
and don=B9t give damn how it was made and some just don=B9t know and don=B9t=
care
to know the difference. Third, the retail buyer: most don=B9t know the
difference and don=B9t care. As long as it looks good and fits their needs
they buy it. Most of the time the public will buy what looks good regardless
of what piece of equipment made it. Johnathan Kaplan is right. The bottom
line is the design and execution of the piece. I too have seen my share of
horrendous wheel thrown pieces and I personally have purchased some fine Ram
Pressed / Slip Cast work.
As an old time leatherhard potter I do draw a line. To call yourself a
potter, somewhere along the process the hand should touch wet clay. If not,
then =B2pottery decorator=B2 would be a more appropriate title. But who am I=
to
give definition to anything at the close of the 20th century when oral sex
is defined as not having sex, when =B3youthful indiscretions=B2 can be had =
in
your 40=B9s and when soldiers armed to kill can be called =B3peace =
keepers.=B2
Rocky Mann
Bar Harbor, ME
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