clennell on tue 25 mar 03
I had one of those sleepless nights thinking about me teaching archery to
students that will have to go up against digital smart bombs. Yes, the wheel
might as well be a bow and arrow. Quit school now Taylor while you can.
Stores are complaining here that everyone that supplies pots wholesale is
over 50. Absolutley no one does handmade dinnerware for wholesale. No new
ones coming along. Those of us making a living have equity. We can buy a
home and studio for somewhere in the neighbourhood of a quarter mill, hang a
shingle and hang on.
The newbie must wholesale or do shows. they must make thousands of pots in
order to keep a low price until their work is so fantastic they can charge
high prices.. They are up against high tech for sure. High tech does make
economic sense.
I thought about us last night. A wood and gas kiln, a couple of wheels,
some sticks and a maple rolling pin. Attainable for anyone and makes sense
to no one.
I found out my contract of teaching production throwing at Sheridan School
of Craft and Design is on again for Sept. Instead of being thrilled of the
job that I love to bits, I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. Will I
prepare them for a long creative hobby or a career as a potter? Am I the
teacher of false hopes?
Sheila won't even concede to a slab roller. Says the rolling pin works
great.
I actually told my students last year that if they wanted to make pots like
we do move to Saskatchewan. The farmers are being driven from their land
and little towns have cheap homes left almost abandoned. Artists find a way.
Learn to live cheap. Saskatchewan is going to have some great potters. Hope
they make room for me in old age. Not bitching, just spitting.
Pit-too- ee
Tony
Susan Setley on tue 25 mar 03
In a message dated 3/25/03 2:55:48 PM, clennell@VAXXINE.COM writes:
<< I found out my contract of teaching production throwing at Sheridan School
of Craft and Design is on again for Sept. Instead of being thrilled of the
job that I love to bits, I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. Will I
prepare them for a long creative hobby or a career as a potter? Am I the
teacher of false hopes? >>
That depends.
Are you telling them that the fast road to riches lies in being an artist?
Did you go to the business classes and tell the students that the business of
the future was throwing pots, and that they could count on retiring early?
You could not talk someone into building their life around pottery if you
wanted to, and you couldn't talk those who have clay in their souls out of
it. You are not responsible for their choices, but you can help them sort out
where their place is in the artistic world.
Most artists are hobbyists. Most musicians don't support themsevles only by
playing their instrument.
Look for those students who have a fire in their soul about pottery. Nurture
and guide them. Very few of them will support themselves 100% by pottery.
Does that mean they shouldn't learn it?
Should I quit now? Class is over for the semester.
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