Jim Tabor on fri 20 jul 01
Somewhere buried in my files is a copy of an interesting article about a
NASA scientist revealing clay as a life form. The article said clay
stores energy and reproduces itself as required to be classified as a
life form. This could be a karma issue for potters. No wonder clay
behaves badly when you consider all we do to it.
Back in "my wild and misspent youth", beer added to the clay was
probably good for happier clay but soap didn't help enough for the
stench. I quit giving my clay beer, probably for selfish and social
reasons but had to hone my throwing skills. I guess you have to do good
to get good.
The mold tips have made me ponder the drama as fresh baby clay particles
are being fed to those nasty mold demons. Are there limits to their
appetites? I noticed black needles growing on my gram scale and
investigated it with some bio-scientests. They said it is harmless to me
but couldn't help with clay ailments. Maybe clay cracks aren't just due
to composition/grog; maybe they are a form of protest! I guess the mold
has to go or I'll have to spend more time crafting kiln gods as a peace
offering.
Incinerating mother earth, and those disappointments form every kiln
load; do you see the connection? Playing matchmaker/potter is a thrill
when unity works. At times there is a happy marriage, family ties,
united loved ones or something good that creates a beautiful bond with
clay and glaze "struttin their stuff". Lovely, but does my
stamp/brand/signature offend the clay? My fractional role pales in
comparison to the beauty of clay's nature. I'm not worthy! Sign, don't
sign. What a dilemma?
Knead your clay, don't wedge it; and for God's sake, use the toilet. The
thought of urine in clay makes me want to lock up the studio forever and
become a chef like I wanted to do before the clay attraction. Wouldn't
everything I cook already be dead. Please, don't get started on mold in
cheese. Anyone know the address to get that cookbook, I may need a good
meatloaf recipe?
I will dig out the article on clay as a life form. There were diagrams
to explain.
Janet Kaiser on sun 22 jul 01
If clay is a life form, maybe this explains why so many
potters like their work whilst still green, but not
after firing? Some deep-seated, subconscious knowledge
or recognition of a fellow being and even dislike of
baking a living organism alive?
Janet Kaiser - who like to eat lobster, but hates to
even think of the cooking process...
The Chapel of Art . Capel Celfyddyd
HOME OF THE INTERNATIONAL POTTERS' PATH
Criccieth LL52 0EA, GB-Wales Tel: (01766) 523570
E-mail: postbox@the-coa.org.uk
WEBSITE: http://www.the-coa.org.uk
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