Janet Kaiser on wed 12 feb 03
There is a large community originally from the Indian subcontinent who
reside in Leeds, England. On a hoarding in that city, there appeared the
following advertisement for a building company: "You have had the cowboys
in. Now try the Indians".
It is the cowboys in the clay world that I worry about. Not the beginners,
not the vocational potters, not even the perennial dabbling dilettantes.
No. It is those in "positions of authority" who should know better whom I
despise. Those who break the rules either without being aware of their very
existence or willfully flaunting them to feed their own voracious egos. My
little rant which appears to have ruffled as many feathers as it has found
agreement with the sage, was based on a particular question from
Antoinette, who was apparently faced by a singular situation... Someone
calling themselves a potter and setting up in business after a three-day
course. In other words a genuine 100% clay cowboy who will go out into the
world and wreak havoc.
Cowboys are abhorrent in any skilled work or craft (unless that happens to
be herding cows). Whether the plumber from hell or the cack-handed midwife,
there are countless tales of torment caused by these unskilled scoundrels.
The Jacks of all trades and masters of none: from the cowboys who swindle
old and young alike, to the homegrown do-it-yourself addict. With any luck
the real professionals can be called in to solve all the additional
problems they have caused and I am sure we could all retell at least one
tale of frustration, sorrow and anger with total recall however long ago.
Who has not suffered at the hands of some extremely poor teacher in the
past? Did that not kill all interest for ever? Weren't the best teachers
those who not only knew their stuff inside-out, but could excite
enthusiasm, encourage and guide one's path into the future beyond the
confines of the classroom? No wandering around aimlessly and blundering
blindly in the dark under their "strict regime". It is their grips of iron
firmly on my reins and wandering eyes which I can thank for so much and
remember with affection to this day. The Clay Cowboys will do the opposite
for all those unlucky enough to fall into their clutches.
Unlike those who defend freedom and total lawlessness at all cost, I am
firmly of the belief that true creativity can only take place within pretty
strict limits. One has to know one's boundaries to be aware of pushing
them, never mind breaking them. To enjoy freedom to the fullest, one has to
experience shackles first. Structured learning is not to be confused with
coercion or policing, just as quality control is not.
It is pretty strange to have to defend a concept such as "quality" along
the way, but especially in Clayart -- the caring community which strives to
push everyone to excel at all levels. If there is no fire in the belly
there can never be true dedication or complete understanding, however much
compassion we have for individuals seeking their way. Each and every one of
us has to find our own path, but to have idiots, charlatans and Clay
Cowboys block anyone is just not something that I for one wish to tolerate
or condone.
Clay Cowboys are the snakes... Avoid them, step on them and deny them
sustenance. Grab the ladders and hang on like Billy-O! Wear war paint and
show those Cowboys the Clayart way the game has to be played.
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
Dupre Mr Marcy M on thu 13 feb 03
Waal, now there, Lady. Ya put yore finger right on the pulse of the matt=
er.
It's a question of can you catch the cow if yore a-gonna be called a
"cowboy." Some pokes are all hat and no horse.
-----------
Bless you, Janet! I DO so LOVE the way you write!
I suppose I could call myself a "Simulations Engineer," or a "Conflict
Analyst" or something equally lofty and arrogant. What difference does i=
t
make? For some people, having a brass title plate on the door is the ac=
me
of achievement. I'd rather one or two more zeroes before the decimal in =
the
paycheck.
Calling myself a particular title is not what's important. BEING somethi=
ng
I want to be is important. I am a "Father," a "Husband," a "Friend," and=
a
number of other "titles." I can live up to any of those. I can ride tho=
se
horses, as well as wear the hat. And THAT is what is important.
I have also been known to make a piece of pottery, now and then. And, od=
dly
enough, sometimes people actually want to give me money in exchange for o=
ne
of my pieces. Even more oddly, I encourage this exchange! I suppose thi=
s
combination of activities entitles me to call myself a "potter." Especial=
ly
in light of the facts that I have read a book or two, attended a workshop=
or
two, actually seen someone else manipulate clay, and can mix some powders
with water and make a shiny, colored surface on a pot.
Now, if I understand Lady Janet of Capel Celfyddyd correctly, a "cowboy" =
is
someone who can recognize a lump of clay three out of five times, thinks
glaze belongs on doughnuts, and calls ANYTHING made of clay "ceramic,"
because we all KNOW what "pot" is.
A while back, someone make a crack about the Professional Potter's
Association (PPA) judging the worth of a teapot, or something. As I had
never heard of such a thing, I asked the question, and was informed that =
it
was a joke. There is no PPA, never has been. Hopefully, never WILL be. =
=20
We, as a body of artisans, artists, crafters, semi-scientists, and makers=
of
wares for public consumption are the best governing body available. In
passing on what we know to the next generation, we ensure the continuatio=
n
of at least _good_, if not high standards. We are the best quality contr=
ol
there is.
I have no qualms about sharing what little I know with others, if it help=
s
them grow in the craft, and be better artisans. I don't see it as
increasing the competition with myself. Besides, if I'm afraid of a litt=
le
competition, I'd better take up some other craft. Folks like mel-san,
Alissa, Ababi, Lili, David, Ian, and countless others selflessly share th=
eir
volumes of knowledge with the rest of us. I see the same questions asked
over and over by each group of new Mudslingers. And the sages answer eac=
h
one, patiently and kindly.
The "cowboys" are many, but they are distinguishable by their inability t=
o
produce a single pot, well-constructed, well-glazed, and well-fired. Mak=
e
that "reasonably" in front of each "well." Won't call any names, but I k=
now
personally of several people who are charging for throwing lessons and
cannot themselves center a piece on a wheel. I suppose this illustrates =
the
old pejorative about teachers, "Those who can, do. Those who cannot,
teach." To which I usually add, "Those who can neither do nor teach,
criticize."
Keep your eyes peeled. Look for the cowboys. If you see the hat, ask to =
see
the horse. No horse, git along, little dogie!
Different subject to piggy-back. Saw another post on kiln gods. Yes, I
make 'em. Actually, have one small pewter dragon who rides every kiln lo=
ad
to completion, sitting on the back side of the lid. She guards the fire =
and
guides the heat to the proper corners and crannies. No bad fires, yet.
Only bad pots from the potter...
Earth, Water, Air, and Fire Bless you all! Smooth clay, and soft flames,
Tig
Mr. Marcy M. "Tig" Dupr=E9
Military Simulations Analyst
MAGTF Staff Training Program
Quantico, VA 22134
Comm (703) 784-1255/1228
DSN 278-1255/1228
e-mail: dupremm@mstp.quantico.usmc.mil
SIPR e-mail: dupremm@mstp.quantico.usmc.smil.mil
| |
|
