Bonnie Staffel on sun 17 feb 02
Jogging my memory, I remember the shakeup in the ceramic world when Pete's
students carried away all the prizes in a Florida Show a long time ago.
That put him on the map as an innovative and creative clay artist. I regard
him as the Picasso of the American ceramics movement. I was fortunate to
see that show as it traveled around the country. Shocking to those working
in the classic mode that real paint was used to embellish the sculptures!!!
I am sure his students have the best picture of him as a teacher. Sorry to
say, his drinking and smoking were legend. I attended a few of his
workshops and was amazed at his freedom in putting clay together into such
monumental sculptures. A number of his students caught his fire and went on
to fame themselves. He will be missed by the many he taught as well as
those hinterland potters whose work he influenced.
Bonnie Staffel, potter with 53 years experience and many memories of the
early days.
bstaffel@chartermi.net
http://pws.chartermi.net/~bstaffel/
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