mel jacobson on sat 6 oct 01
one of the elements that makes craft unique, along
with years of models to look at, is the
attitude among us, that we can be taught.
even the fact that we encourage learning is unique among
the arts.
in our modern world, with the emphasis on `be yourself, and
total `self``.....the concept that learning and teaching is important,
makes the clay world amazing.
it is really what makes clayart click.
i think we are all getting very tired, exhausted, in fact, of the `self`.
the ego driven, i me, get a trophy for going to the bathroom world.
teaching, giving, learning, sharing. these are the concepts that
make the clay world alive and well. the total understanding that
nothing is sacred, except the craft. we share the knowledge, and with a
strong set of values, pots and clay work becomes `our own`.
if tony c. and i shared a kiln, shared a work shop and glazes....my
pots would still be mine, and his his....and sheila's would be
the best. of course.
kurt and i have shared ideas, glazes, kilns...and when you look
at the fussy, well crafted pots of kurt, and then as he says...`japo
slappo` pots of mine...you would think...`god, these guys could
not even be in the same room together, much less share ideas`.
but, that is not true.....we have a passion for teaching and learning.
our styles do not conflict. ever. we know and understand that
we are very different people, with different vision for the work.
that does not ever conflict with learning the craft.
i totally agree with ivor, we has beings have a need to share
ideas...move on as a group. the groups change constantly, but
the need to move on never changes.
it never ceases to amaze me how millions of people can be moved
to action...this month proves it again. how a group of like minded
people from across the globe can come together with a common
idea...survival and common dignity. through the blur of
money, ethnic and religious differences, common dignity
still prevails. and, will still be in place long after we are gone.
we pass it on. teach it to our children, grandchildren...show it
in our actions. it is easy to spot it in those who do not have `it`.
we shun them. and oh, how they become angry. then, we as a
group must be moved to more action. eliminate them. take them
from the society of humans. it has always been the way it works.
and will be...even later. human dignity, it must survive. or, all
is lost.
it is the reason i can hold my `black/white` darling neighbor girl
of 4 years old in my arms...she has total trust. and she
can always have that trust with me. she is a dignified human.
it is the same dignity that was given to my family when we lived
in japan. total dignity.
so, yes, teaching and learning. the core of human survival.
we need to do more of it.
mel
From:
The Farm, in Wisconsin
web site: http://www.pclink.com/melpots
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