John Jensen on tue 14 aug 01
My daughter is finishing her first year of Tae Kwan Do, which is a form of
martial arts. In this form, as in many other forms, there is a very strict
ranking system based on levels of knowledge, skill and performance, which is
acknowledged by the awarding of belts of different colors. I've been
thinking lately that it would be nice to have a system of judging the
pottery student and awarding belts of different colours.
Beginning student: no belt.
3" x 5" cylinder from 1 lb clay: white belt
Two lb bowl: yellow belt
And so forth... up to various levels of black belt where in the black belt
would have the skills to become a self supporting potter if she/he chose to.
I suppose it's a silly idea, but I think students would enjoy the discipline
and structure which gives them specific goals and rewards. I do realize
that I haven't mentioned any evaluation based on artistic or aesthetic
merit. While I don't denigrate those things, maybe that would be something
for the black belts to discuss among themselves.
John Jensen, Mudbug Pottery, Annapolis, Md.
mudbug@toad.net www.Toadhouse.com
| |
|
