Dupre Mr Marcy M on wed 18 dec 02
The science of clay and glaze is fairly restrictive. As Lily explains it so
well, there is a "diet" of specificity to what we can do and not do with
clays and glaze materials. Our science enables us to work within the
limitations of the materials to create what pleases us and, hopefully,
others.
The "art" is our voice, what we have "to say." I get somewhat lost in
viewing an amorphous shape, decorated in harlequin colors and patterns,
alleged to be a teapot. Certainly, the creator of that piece had something
to say, but what? "Simply, that I can." Perhaps. The "art" is much more
of an objective call than the "science." As with the color blue in pottery,
what is pleasing to me is "butt-ugly" to another. Sometimes, "weird"
substitutes for art. Do some really dynamite mood and mind-altering
recreational pharmaceuticals, grab a hunk of clay, and see what
materializes. Hm-m-m...
The "craft," to me is the important part. How well do we use the materials
to say what we wish? I have seen pieces that I personally wouldn't use for
target practice, but I respected the artist's ability to manipulate the
materials to make the statement. I never did truly appreciate or like Piet
Mondrian's work of painted geometric figures in primary colors. Had no idea
what he was trying to convey. But, SOMEONE liked him. Someone appreciated
the science, the art, and the craft of his labors. I respect the fact that
his work is truly well-executed. Wouldn't hang it in my house, but I can
respect it.
"Performance art" is wasted on me. Call me a cultural boor. Call me
unlettered. Call me after the performance is over. Wrapping a section of
seacoast in visquine sheet is...? What? Placing 50 pieces of greenware in
a field to slowly decompose and return to the soil is...? What? Show me a
teapot composed of well-thought-out, well-constructed pieces,
well-assembled, well-decorated, and well-glazed. I may not fight to possess
it, but I will invariably appreciate the skill and talent that went into it.
I am the toughest critic I know when it comes to judging my work. I have
about 8 buckets of slop that used to be pots. I also have a growing shard
pile. There are many opportunities for clay to be either recycled or
sharded. If I wouldn't want it in my house, I usually don't keep it to sell
or give away. That is part of the craft.
I have long lamented the decline of craftsmanship in our nation. Pressboard
planks, power-stapled and covered with a vinyl veneer are made into what
passes for "furniture." Check out how apartment buildings are made, and how
rapidly. Look at your car with the same critical eye you judge art. The
craftsmanship is missing, or--at best--sloppy as hell.
So, for what it may be worth, science, art, and craft are the cornerstones
of our endeavor. My personal efforts go to learning the science, studying
the art, and practicing the craft.
Thanks for being patient so far,
Tig
in Springfield, VA--cold, gray, and lovely
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