Cindy Strnad on sun 18 jun 00
Hi, Chris.
That's a tough question. It just depends on how thick your skin is, and how
badly you want to get started. If I could, I would go and take back a lot of
the pottery I sold at first. It was functional, but how embarassing! And
it's quite possible I'll feel the same in five years about the pottery I'm
making now. But people loved it and are presumably still enjoying it.
One suggestion, though. Never sell a piece of pottery you haven't lived
with. (That is, lived with one of its kind--not the specific piece itself.)
If you're selling teapots, then make one for yourself and use it for a month
or two or more. If you're saying it's dishwasher safe, then put it in the
dishwasher regularly. Use it hard. Don't baby it. See if you can make the
glaze craze. See if the edges chip easily during daily use. There will often
be modifications needed, and you'll be glad you made them before beginning
to sell that new style of mug or bowl or whatever.
Cindy Strnad
earthenv@gwtc.net
Earthen Vessels Pottery
RR 1, Box 51
Custer, SD 57730
Chris Campbell on sun 18 jun 00
Here is a question for you all.
What are the minimum skills and standards a beginning potter should
master before they consider submitting their functional ware for sale to the
general public?
Please note that I am not talking about your Aunt Martha really liking a
bowl, so you give it to her.
I mean actually selling pottery that will be used for food preparation
and consumption by unknown customers.
Thanks - Chris in Carolina
Cat81257@AOL.COM on sun 18 jun 00
Really good Question Chris... with hindsite ( great stuff to have LOL )
I'd say knowing your clay body and glazes is a biggie... next I'd say
your forms should do the intended purpose .... know what makes things work
ie dripless spouts to placement of handle etc ... ps good book on
learning about this is Robin Hopper Functional pottery ... he pretty much
covers some of the bases on this functional issue... not to say you
couldnt make a functional piece that wasnt perfect in all respects and it
couldnt be used ..
I am a functional potter and I chose my clay body with that foremost in
mind along with what I knew I was capable of producing with it ... when
ever I try to introduce a new item that I'm not familiar with such as apple
bakers as most recent thing I decided to do and went thru the whole gammut
of testing like heck after asking ?????? from everyone I know about
them... yup found out they are just a gimick and heard a zillion
different theories on that little stem thingy in middle geeze I then
test market them or give away to folks that will test for me and actually
cook myself with it to see what works etc... know your product and what its
supposed to do is my best advise ... right now I"m testing oil cans to
market.. kind of a long process but not everything is so intense ... good
luck on it all feel free to email off or on list if you need more help ...
Deborah B. on sun 18 jun 00
Minimum standard!!???
Oh my god!!
IF YOUR PROUD OF IT--period!!
Deborah
Wisconsin
>From: Chris Campbell
>Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: Standards for Functional Potters
>Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 16:03:12 EDT
>
>Here is a question for you all.
>
> What are the minimum skills and standards a beginning potter should
>master before they consider submitting their functional ware for sale to
>the
>general public?
>
> Please note that I am not talking about your Aunt Martha really liking
>a
>bowl, so you give it to her.
>
> I mean actually selling pottery that will be used for food
>preparation
>and consumption by unknown customers.
>
>Thanks - Chris in Carolina
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
Liz Willoughby on sun 18 jun 00
Hello Chris,
I realized that this is not really an easy question to answer. When
you are a beginner, sometimes clay and making takes over, and
ambition sets in. You want to apply to that little show down the
road to sell your work. Actually it is in many ways a good learning
process in itself. There you are, new in clay, sitting behind a
table with your wares on it, and the PUBLIC walk by, pick it up,
comment (sometimes, oblivious to the fact that you are sitting
there!) and it can be painful for a beginner.
But here goes.
-a priority!!!!make sure that the glazes that you use are safe. Is
there crazing? Are they well balanced so there is no leaching of
oxides or fading of color when acidic foods are used on them. For
function, a shiny instead of matt is always better.
-start with easy shapes, bowls and cylinders.
-are handles on mugs smooth on the edges?
-are the bottoms smooth?
-have they been tested in the microwave and the oven, before putting
them out there?
-do pitchers or jugs pour?
-ditto for teapots, (if you have managed to make them yet)
-take the time to trim, so that bottoms are not too heavy, and the
walls are an even thickness.
-Get the basic skills under your belt first. Pay attention to
detail, craftsmanship, and FORM.
Sometimes I shudder when I remember my first work that I put out
there in the marketplace.
It is hard to have the wisdom of years of making objects out of clay
from the beginning. The love of clay takes over.
If possible join a Guild where they have a standards committee, and
periodic sales. It helps to have that kind of input and support.
The longer you make things from clay, the more you see.
I'm sure there is a lot more that I missed, but I have a feeling
there are going to be a lot of posts on this one.
Meticulously loose Liz
>Here is a question for you all.
>
> What are the minimum skills and standards a beginning potter should
>master before they consider submitting their functional ware for sale to the
>general public?
Liz Willoughby
R.R. 1
2903 Shelter Valley Rd.
Grafton, Ontario
Canada. K0K 2G0
e-mail, lizwill@phc.igs.net
Lizacat29@AOL.COM on mon 19 jun 00
I've been enjoying reading this discussion and filing away all the
suggestions, even though I feel far away from being able to sell my work.
There is just so much to know. At this point, I even hesitate to give it
away! Just a question: what did you do with all the bazillions of "learning
pots" you made when first starting out? And another: I live near Sioux
Falls, South Dakota and I would like to learn about glazes. That is one area
that I just can't seem to grasp from reading books. I wish I'd paid more
attention in high school chemistry! I think I need a human to demonstrate,
answer questions etc! Anyone know of possiblilities of good teachers in this
area?
Dannon Rhudy on mon 19 jun 00
..... what did you do with all the bazillions of "learning
>pots" you made when first starting out?.....
Most of them need not be fired - just recycle them after
your design & creating process. For those that DO get
bisque fired, you can use them for glaze tests. Get either
or both of these books: Ian Currie's "Stoneware Glazes"
and/or Robin Hopper's "Ceramic Spectrum". Those books will
give you EXPERIENTIAL ways to work with glazes - very helpful
for beginners who've had no glaze instruction.
You could also get "Insight" or another
glaze calculation program. But you really ought to start
with some tests, and the books, so that you have some idea
of what it is the calc programs are DOING.
regards
Dannon Rhudy
And another: I live near Sioux
>Falls, South Dakota and I would like to learn about glazes. That is one area
>that I just can't seem to grasp from reading books. I wish I'd paid more
>attention in high school chemistry! I think I need a human to demonstrate,
>answer questions etc! Anyone know of possiblilities of good teachers in this
>area?
>
>___________________________________________________________________________
___
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
Cindy Strnad on mon 19 jun 00
Liza,
Go to West Sioux Ceramics/Dakota Potters' Supply, and ask Tom or Wanda your
questions. They've always been very friendly and helpful to me when they
could. And, presumably, they'll be wanting to sell you some glaze materials,
so it's in their best interest to get you off to a good start.
If you ever come West River, you're welcome to visit me and I'll help all I
can.
Cindy Strnad
earthenv@gwtc.net
Earthen Vessels Pottery
RR 1, Box 51
Custer, SD 57730
clennell on mon 19 jun 00
>
>But here goes.
>
>-a priority!!!!make sure that the glazes that you use are safe. Is
>there crazing? Are they well balanced so there is no leaching of
>oxides or fading of color when acidic foods are used on them. For
>function, a shiny instead of matt is always better.
>
>-are handles on mugs smooth on the edges?
>
>-are the bottoms smooth?
>
>Meticulously loose Liz
>
Dear Liz: We all know your love of the shino glaze. Is there one in
existence that doesn't craze? Does that glaze meet the with the standards
by which potters should make pots. A lovely ash glaze almost guaranteed to
craze. You see I only us two glazes- ash and shino. Glaze faults to most
and qualities to cherish for me.
My favourite handle has a ridge that I work to make a sharp fin edge with
my thumbnail. I watch people run their finger along it. They are playing
with something that makes them want to handle it. Perhaps they are
courting danger???
I own a favourite Linda Christianson jug that I have to prop up against the
wall for fear it will fall over. To me it functions very well. It provides
a "visual" function. When I bought it I knew what I was buying, knew it
had to be propped up and knew I would love it to death for years. By the
way it also has a whooping big handle that is impossible to get your hand
around. That handle has been an inspiration to me for many of the pots I
now make.
I loved the recent article in CM by Jeff O of Minnesota where he has had a
30 year love affair with a jug at Warren Mackenzies. The jug sports some
cones that stuck to the pot in the firing. Would that jug meet the
standards set out by our list.
My local guild is laughing at this post. We have danced together on this
issue. When the standards get to stringent you loose out by not having the
likes of our Eric Wong show up at your guild show. Crawled, crazed, wobbly,
sea shell scars on the bottoms of pots. He is not saying he is above
standards but they are not part of his eastern cultural standards. I guess
it also makes Sheila and I unwelcome guests.
It may be interesting to hear from one of our Chinese or Japanese
Clayarters on standards of an eastern culture guild versus those in the
west.
Liz has a collection of loosey goosey pots. She loves them loose but hangs
on to the nurse in her for her own pots. Standards must be stringent.
That is why she is- Meticously loose Liz.
Just adding a potato to the Standards stew.
cheers,
Tony
Tony and Sheila Clennell
Sour Cherry Pottery
4545 King St.
Beamsville, On.
Canada L0R 1B1
http://www.sourcherrypottery.com
905-563-9382
fax 905-563-9383
amy parker on tue 20 jun 00
Chris - The very first thing is to insure that pottery to be used for food
prep has a food-safe glaze on it. This can be done by testing at Alfred, of
course, if you personally control the glaze. If, however, you do NOT
control the glaze, you are at the mercy of those who do. There are many
commercial glazes labeled as "food-safe if fired to witness cone X" - but
what if you fire to X minus 1/2 or X plus 1/2? How do we know what to test
for in these anyway - secret recipes! Then there are those glazes at the
"community studio" that "everyone says" are food-safe...somewhere there
needs to be some certainty that your glaze will not leach nasty things! I'm
still concerned about how to establish standards in this area, but each
potter should consider what would happen if they let their loved ones store
orange juice (etc) in their pitchers!
Secondly, your pottery should lend its form to the function. Mixing bowls
should be sturdy. Baking dishes should not shatter when heated, and should
be easy to clean. Pitchers should not dribble (excessively).
Potters should live with their wares before selling them. Cook in that
casserole. Make tea in that pitcher. Use the mixing bowl. Were they the
right size & shape? Did you find a hiddem rim inside the casserole that was
impossible to clean? Did water not all run out?
Make sure functional work will function for you and your Aunt Martha before
you start selling it. Ask her to be honest as to whether she uses the bowl
for car keys or for cookie dough.
If it has a safe glaze and really does function appropriately, go for it!
Amy
At 04:03 PM 6/18/00 EDT, you wrote:
>Here is a question for you all.
>
> What are the minimum skills and standards a beginning potter should
>master before they consider submitting their functional ware for sale to the
>general public?
>
> Please note that I am not talking about your Aunt Martha really liking a
>bowl, so you give it to her.
>
> I mean actually selling pottery that will be used for food preparation
>and consumption by unknown customers.
>
>Thanks - Chris in Carolina
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
amy parker Lithonia, GA
amyp@sd-software.com
Tom Wirt/Betsy Price on wed 21 jun 00
I find the number of people suggesting that there are no standards to be met
in pottery interesting. Lets assume for a minute that there are no relevant
standrds in making pots. That would mean there are no measures of quality.
So a beginners 1/2 inch thick pot has just as much value as a Ming vase or
one of Tony's finest.
......I don't think so.
Standards are a necessary part of our cultures, economies and socities, no
matter how much we seem to be trying to legislate them away under the guise
of individual freedom.
Just remember, individual freedom can only exist in a society with the
support of that society and its culture. When the individual becomes more
important than the society, the society and culture begin to disappear. Are
you getting the logical conclusion here?
Way back when, man "civilized" because he was a creature that was too weak
to survive in nature alone. Once basic needs were met, and there was a
surplus due mostly to the "invention of agriculture", we began to think that
the individual was more important. The industrial revolution accelerated
this....and maybe our current technology is kicking it up again.
Grist for the mental mill
Tom Wirt
Dave Murphy on wed 21 jun 00
Dear Paul:
I enjoyed your post it meandered like my mind does on the subject. I had
the opportunity to take a workshop with a popular potter/teacher here in
Ontario and always liked how he turned the phrase to cover this topic. And
I quote" when you view the piece in context you see the artist, when you
turn the piece over you see the craftsman".
Barbara Murphy
Waterloo, Ontario
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Taylor
To:
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2000 7:45 PM
Subject: Re: Standards for Functional Potters
> Dear Chris
>
> I like the market standard. If you don't like it do not Buy it.
>
> I hate artificial standards. They lead to cronieism and nepotism.
>
> I am happy with consumer protection like lead release tests but I
> feel most of it could be done by enforced accurate labeling, eg, This
glaze
> contains silica alumina soda potash and lithium and gives a release of x
> parts per million of y. Especially the things we are not sure do harm. I
do
> not believe that lithium does any real harm but I have a shino glaze that
I
> love it contains petalight- so I would wouldn't I.
>
> As for the potters standard. Does it relay matter as long as you are not
> defiantly poisoning any body. Where do you draw the line? Teapots that do
> not drip that would exclude most of the ones made. That includes some of
> the potters with the best over inflated reputations. Serviceable glazes?!
If
> the industrial standard was applied all hand made stone ware pottery
would
> be relegated to earthenware for it's lack of strength. Go round and tap a
> few pots listen to the lack of ring.
>
> Should sets be the same size and exact shape? Another industrial
> standard?. It used to be my standard but now as long as the spirit of the
> thing is the same as it,s brother that's good enough for me. I no longer
> bother to explain that I can make pots with an exacting discipline, but I
no
> longer fell it relevant, unless I feel in tune with the customer. Some
> customers pick out sets for size .I say nothing not wanting to discourage
a
> sale and let the grumbles of some go over my head. It is not that I have a
> huge international reputation it's that I like to pretend that I have.
>
> Maybe I should be telling you that standards should be kept. But whose
> standards. I would say that since you are asking the Question your
standards
> will always be as high as you can manage and that is potentially very
high.
>
> I think that the high standards some set is a bit like me pretending to
be
> famous it gives the illusion of standards, some potters smashing their
> seconds in an attempt to be even more famous than I imagine to be ; so an
> obsession with standards is not necessarily a good thing. The real irony
is,
> that a certain blindness to your own inadequacy keeps you going . It is
> embarrassing to meet these pots again but I would say it is enviable.
>
> Another observation I have had concerning standards Is that some potters
> are as affected by their pots as they are by hearing there voice on a tape
> recorder Bernard ,the man himself, had problems with that- I do my self .
A
> musician friend said that he had learnt to love his voice. He feels that
it
> makes no difference to his music, only to the way he feels about it. It
does
> not drive him to better things by constant self criticism or blind
> arrogance. If you want to join me in loving my pots and loving your own
you
> are welcome. By the way I am using love as a verb.
>
> A personal experience to do with standards.
>
> When I first started pottery I looked round the Victoria and Albert
museum
> it has a whole floor full of pottery. I walked round un impressed .
However
> a few years on when I had my own pottery I went round the same museum - in
> awe. There is a flambe bowl that nearly extracted tears from me.
>
> The last time I went round I was less impressed by some pots. maybe I have
> reached their standard. There are some pots that I still look at In
> disbelief of their perfection of line form and spirit. These are the
people
> I compare myself and my peers to and find us all wanting. But it is early
> days I still try.
>
> But you wanted a simple guide and why should you be subjected to my
confused
> musings.
>
> Pots could have even walls, a tidy foot , a finished rim, a safe glaze
> and- if wanted- a stamp on the base or side.
>
> (Excuse the hyperbole This is Ireland )
>
>
>
>
> Regards Paul Taylor.
>
> > From: Chris Campbell
> > Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
> > Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 16:03:12 EDT
> > To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> > Subject: Standards for Functional Potters
> >
> > Here is a question for you all.
> >
> > What are the minimum skills and standards a beginning potter should
> > master before they consider submitting their functional ware for sale to
the
> > general public?
> >
> > Please note that I am not talking about your Aunt Martha really liking a
> > bowl, so you give it to her.
> >
> > I mean actually selling pottery that will be used for food preparation
> > and consumption by unknown customers.
> >
> > Thanks - Chris in Carolina
> >
> >
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> > Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
> >
> > You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> > settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
> >
> > Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> > melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
Paul Taylor on wed 21 jun 00
Dear Chris
I like the market standard. If you don't like it do not Buy it.
I hate artificial standards. They lead to cronieism and nepotism.
I am happy with consumer protection like lead release tests but I
feel most of it could be done by enforced accurate labeling, eg, This glaze
contains silica alumina soda potash and lithium and gives a release of x
parts per million of y. Especially the things we are not sure do harm. I do
not believe that lithium does any real harm but I have a shino glaze that I
love it contains petalight- so I would wouldn't I.
As for the potters standard. Does it relay matter as long as you are not
defiantly poisoning any body. Where do you draw the line? Teapots that do
not drip that would exclude most of the ones made. That includes some of
the potters with the best over inflated reputations. Serviceable glazes?! If
the industrial standard was applied all hand made stone ware pottery would
be relegated to earthenware for it's lack of strength. Go round and tap a
few pots listen to the lack of ring.
Should sets be the same size and exact shape? Another industrial
standard?. It used to be my standard but now as long as the spirit of the
thing is the same as it,s brother that's good enough for me. I no longer
bother to explain that I can make pots with an exacting discipline, but I no
longer fell it relevant, unless I feel in tune with the customer. Some
customers pick out sets for size .I say nothing not wanting to discourage a
sale and let the grumbles of some go over my head. It is not that I have a
huge international reputation it's that I like to pretend that I have.
Maybe I should be telling you that standards should be kept. But whose
standards. I would say that since you are asking the Question your standards
will always be as high as you can manage and that is potentially very high.
I think that the high standards some set is a bit like me pretending to be
famous it gives the illusion of standards, some potters smashing their
seconds in an attempt to be even more famous than I imagine to be ; so an
obsession with standards is not necessarily a good thing. The real irony is,
that a certain blindness to your own inadequacy keeps you going . It is
embarrassing to meet these pots again but I would say it is enviable.
Another observation I have had concerning standards Is that some potters
are as affected by their pots as they are by hearing there voice on a tape
recorder Bernard ,the man himself, had problems with that- I do my self . A
musician friend said that he had learnt to love his voice. He feels that it
makes no difference to his music, only to the way he feels about it. It does
not drive him to better things by constant self criticism or blind
arrogance. If you want to join me in loving my pots and loving your own you
are welcome. By the way I am using love as a verb.
A personal experience to do with standards.
When I first started pottery I looked round the Victoria and Albert museum
it has a whole floor full of pottery. I walked round un impressed . However
a few years on when I had my own pottery I went round the same museum - in
awe. There is a flambe bowl that nearly extracted tears from me.
The last time I went round I was less impressed by some pots. maybe I have
reached their standard. There are some pots that I still look at In
disbelief of their perfection of line form and spirit. These are the people
I compare myself and my peers to and find us all wanting. But it is early
days I still try.
But you wanted a simple guide and why should you be subjected to my confused
musings.
Pots could have even walls, a tidy foot , a finished rim, a safe glaze
and- if wanted- a stamp on the base or side.
(Excuse the hyperbole This is Ireland )
Regards Paul Taylor.
> From: Chris Campbell
> Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
> Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 16:03:12 EDT
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Standards for Functional Potters
>
> Here is a question for you all.
>
> What are the minimum skills and standards a beginning potter should
> master before they consider submitting their functional ware for sale to the
> general public?
>
> Please note that I am not talking about your Aunt Martha really liking a
> bowl, so you give it to her.
>
> I mean actually selling pottery that will be used for food preparation
> and consumption by unknown customers.
>
> Thanks - Chris in Carolina
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
Earl Brunner on thu 22 jun 00
I don't think that we are really saying that there aren't
standards exactly, just that for all intents and purposes
there might as well not be any. There is a lot of
substandard stuff out there being sold, both "handmade" and
otherwise, and the public will buy anything. There is such a
variety of personal taste that enters in as well.
Tom Wirt/Betsy Price wrote:
>
> I find the number of people suggesting that there are no standards to be met
> in pottery interesting. Lets assume for a minute that there are no relevant
> standrds in making pots. That would mean there are no measures of quality.
> So a beginners 1/2 inch thick pot has just as much value as a Ming vase or
> one of Tony's finest.
>
> ......I don't think so.
>
> Standards are a necessary part of our cultures, economies and socities, no
> matter how much we seem to be trying to legislate them away under the guise
> of individual freedom.
>
> Just remember, individual freedom can only exist in a society with the
> support of that society and its culture. When the individual becomes more
> important than the society, the society and culture begin to disappear. Are
> you getting the logical conclusion here?
>
> Way back when, man "civilized" because he was a creature that was too weak
> to survive in nature alone. Once basic needs were met, and there was a
> surplus due mostly to the "invention of agriculture", we began to think that
> the individual was more important. The industrial revolution accelerated
> this....and maybe our current technology is kicking it up again.
>
> Grist for the mental mill
>
> Tom Wirt
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
--
Earl Brunner
http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
mailto:bruec@anv.net
Ray Aldridge on fri 30 jun 00
At 11:29 PM 6/21/00 -0500, you wrote:
>I find the number of people suggesting that there are no standards to be met
>in pottery interesting. Lets assume for a minute that there are no relevant
>standrds in making pots. That would mean there are no measures of quality.
>So a beginners 1/2 inch thick pot has just as much value as a Ming vase or
>one of Tony's finest.
>
>......I don't think so.
>
>Standards are a necessary part of our cultures, economies and socities, no
>matter how much we seem to be trying to legislate them away under the guise
>of individual freedom.
>
>Just remember, individual freedom can only exist in a society with the
>support of that society and its culture. When the individual becomes more
>important than the society, the society and culture begin to disappear. Are
>you getting the logical conclusion here?
>
Ordinarily I agree with everything Tom Wirt says, but here I will
respectfully disagree. It's when society, (or its surrogate, the state)
becomes more important than the individual that civilization is in danger.
An example in the past century is the Holocaust.
It's my belief that true civilization can only exist when the liberties of
the individual are sacrosanct. When it becomes customary to limit the
liberties of individuals in the hope that this will result in more order
and security, we've taken the first step down the road that ends in
Auschwitz. This is because a malevolent all-powerful state is far more
dangerous to us all than any malevolent individual who might take unfair
advantage of his personal liberty. Hitler would have been just another
anonymous malcontent loser, had he not had the power of the German state at
his disposal.
But to return to pottery, I'm not sure who should set the standards. In
medieval times, the guild system produced high-quality work, but little
change was possible. A philosophical extension of the guild system, the
Academy, produced the same stultification in the arts, but it served a
useful purpose in giving the Impressionists an establishment against which
to rebel.
Maybe that's one good use for standards, though of course there are many
others.
Ray
Aldridge Porcelain and Stoneware
http://www.goodpots.com
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