Leland G. Hall on wed 18 dec 02
Terry Sullivan wrote: "Most of us work in functional
based ceramics."
I wonder how they knew that?
Hi clay folks. That statement of Terry's got me wondering just what the
ratio of funtional potters vs. those of us who do "non-funtional" work just
really might be? No way to know for sure I suppose, but now I'm curious.
There's what, close to 3000 folks reading clayart? Any one care to guess?
Before The Wheel Enterprises
Leland Hall
La Pine, OR
Kira-Umich on wed 18 dec 02
Can we throw in a category for both functional and non-functional? I'm
guessing there's a fair number of that sort out there, too.
Kira
Leland G. Hall on wed 18 dec 02
Kira wrote:
"Can we throw in a category for both functional and non-functional? I'm
guessing there's a fair number of that sort out there, too.
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I say:
Or would it be nuts to dispense with catagories entirely? I mean, why are
labels nessecary? The only thing I ask when viewing anyones art, mine
included, is "is it beautiful?" Do I have an emotional response? Does it
make me feel something? For my own pots, sculpture, whatever, if the
answer is no, it gets the hammer.
I understand the commonly accepted difference between functional and
nonfunction ceramics. But it does seem to me that there is a blurry
esoteric line if functional pottery is to be considered "art". What is
the "function" of a vessle that is purchased specifically for a mantle?
For a centerpiece? Or archetectural (sp) wall pieces? Do these items have
a "function"?
FUNCTION: The special purpose for which something exists. Specific duty,
occupation, or role. (WEBSTER'S II)
Semantics, yes. But perhaps worthy of discussion?
I wonder, has anyone else around here sensed an occasional "one-upmanship"
betwixed "functional" and "non"?
Or is it my imagination.
Leland Hall
Before The Wheel Enterprises
La Pine, OR, USA
Kira Campbell on wed 18 dec 02
Leland says:
> Or would it be nuts to dispense with catagories entirely?
Yahoo! Thank you Leland, for having the guts to say what I have been
wanting to desperately. lately I've been working on pots that are
sculpture, and vice versa, and have found the names to be less and less
meaningful. I think it is just as hard to make a good pot as it is a good
sculpture, and no matter what, it's the making that matters anyway.
So I'm all for a revolution - how about we are all potters, all sculptors,
and above all, all clay artists?
And Mel, I haven't met you, but don't think I'm going to let that Kentucky
crack fly. . .
Kira
Rebecca P on wed 18 dec 02
Leland asked:
... wondering just what the
>ratio of funtional potters vs. those of us who do "non-funtional" work just
>really might be?
How about a poll?
I am non-functional (in more ways than one!) :-0
That Pierre person
Oak Island, NC
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Jim Kasper on wed 18 dec 02
Rebecca wrote:
> How about a poll?
> I am non-functional (in more ways than one!) :-0
Hee :)
Put me down as partially functional.
Regards,
Jim Kasper
http://zafka.com
Catherine White on thu 19 dec 02
Non-Functional............
Best wishes,
Catherine in Yuma, AZ
My inability to emulate occasionally results in originality.
----- Original Message -----
> ... wondering just what the
> >ratio of funtional potters vs. those of us who do "non-funtional" work
just
> >really might be?
>
> How about a poll?
Janet Kaiser on thu 19 dec 02
I would make a guess... There are approx. eight "functional" for every one
"non-functional" maker. That is because those who only make purely
sculptural/decorative/non-functional work -- that is to say it never has
any "practical use" -- are actually few and far between. Most make a range
of work which crosses the boundaries and categories so beloved by everyone
except the artist/maker. Yes, tiles are usually functional/decorative in
kitchens, bathrooms, on floors, etc. but can be non-functional/decorative
as in wall panels or on buildings.
Those who are asking which they should they put themselves into when
"declaring" into which category their work falls, because they make
functional AND non-functional, should think about becoming split
personalities... Depending on who is asking and where you are submitting
information. It does not pay to confuse institutions, administrators,
galleries or the public. Much as it may upset individuals, the idea that
someone cannot be equally good at two (or more) disciplines is deep-rooted.
Either it is one, or the other and many become suspicious about "dabbling"
at different things. Like the "Jack of all trades, Master of non" syndrome.
All artists/makers become known for one type of work. That is the truth.
Their public likes to recognise their work, but seeing different bits and
bobs breeds uncertainty and does no favours in their eyes. Visiting studios
and workshops of "famous names" I am continually surprised at the breadth
of work being made, but it will never be seen in print or exhibitions. They
only promote and allow their "trademark" work to go public. The rest is
sheer private indulgence.
The refusal of some artists/makers to be "categorised" has often led to
their downfall. Wonderfully gifted, creative and inventive people, but they
have never "made it" because they have chopped and changed too much.
Nothing consistent or of a sort in enough quantity to become known all
over... No trademark work. Nothing discernably in their style. There can be
such a thing as too much creativity and inventiveness. Yes, it is a
paradox, but it is the truth too.
So if you have to be two different things, chose to be the Artist in
show/gallery/guild ABC and the Potter in show/gallery/guild XYZ. Keep
records of what you are and where, so you don't mix them up! Become a spilt
personality or two people with the same name... Anything, but never confuse
"diversity" with "lack of direction" in your work.
Sincerely
Janet Kaiser
******************* FROM ********************
The Chapel of Art / Capel Celfyddyd
8 Marine Crescent, Criccieth LL52 0EA, Wales, UK
Tel: ++44 (01766) 523570 URL: http://www.the-coa.org.uk
Millie Carpenter on fri 20 dec 02
well I am a semi- functional potter who produces kitchen/domestic ware
which is functional.
I also make miniature gargoyles and grotesques which tend to bear a
slight resemblance to
people who have irritated me .
if I were a functional potter, I would spend much more time in my
studio and cultivate more
gallery owners.
who is keeping track of all this anyway?
Millie in Md.
millie@riva.net <----new address
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