julene on mon 14 jul 03
When comparing handcrafted work to the milk campaign, it would seem that
both are products that one should support because one wishes to keep the
producers as part of our communities. That would be the wise consumer
choice. A dental slogan came to mind. Support those that one wants to
keep.
But then, I too got to thinking about what was really being said in this
thread. We tend to like to think that we as producers are capable of higher
thinking. We do not like being talked down to. What is being said about
the people that these items are being designed and produced for? That they
do not have the intelligence to support that which is important to them?
Why would anyone produce items for people they do not respect? And along
that line, why would people buy from producers that do not respect them?
It was my understanding that the idea behind the Bauhaus movement was for
items to be designed as uplifting to those that would produce and use them.
To strive for something better than what was available and being produced.
And I thought that this was so that there would be a better choice
available.
Now for the trailer that seems to be needed. I am not saying that somebody
does not know and respect their customers. I like well crafted work and the
workers that make them. I love the effect of the flame and personal
expression. This topic concerns me as I live in a real world where few ever
seek out and purchase handcrafted goods, though most of the people that I
come into contact with have an appreciation for quality and treasure the
handcrafted items they have. They are my neighbors, family and friends. I
want their lives to be filled with things of quality and substance. Maybe
we would be better served and serve better by being less elitest.
Julene, who learned to sit the horse a long time ago, only to find that
building and maintaining the farm for the horse was where the hard work
began.
Bob Nicholson on tue 15 jul 03
>But then, I too got to thinking about what was really being said in this
>thread. We tend to like to think that we as producers are capable of higher
>thinking. We do not like being talked down to. What is being said about
>the people that these items are being designed and produced for? That they
>do not have the intelligence to support that which is important to them?
>Why would anyone produce items for people they do not respect? And along
>that line, why would people buy from producers that do not respect them?
>
To me, the issue is one of getting people's attention. There are customers
who appreciate ceramics and fill their lives with handmade clay objects.
But there are a far greater number who simply don't think about or look
at ceramic art. Amid the many things competing for their attention, I
think we need to create a message that causes them to pause and look at
what we are doing.
I think, as Wendy has pointed out, the milk people faced a different
problem. They were losing their core customer base to competing drink
choices (cooler, trendier), and needed a way to change the perception
of their product.
John Baymore on wed 16 jul 03
Why would anyone produce items for people they do not respect?
That's easy....... for money.
And along that line, why would people buy from producers that do not
respect them?
Same reason...... for money. Because it is cheaper than elsewhere.
Somehow money seems to make "the world go round". Many people will
compromise their values if money is involved.
best,
......................john
John Baymore
River Bend Pottery
22 Riverbend Way
Wilton, NH 03086-5812 USA
JBaymore@compuserve.com
http:\\www.JohnBaymore.com
603-654-2752 (studio)
800-900-1110 (studio)
"Earth, Water, and Fire Noborigama Woodfiring Workshop: August 15-24,
2003"
pdp1@EARTHLINK.NET on wed 16 jul 03
Hi John,
And is 'money', in this context, not the medium of
consolation, ( the medium as well 'of' or occupied by the
seduction from , thence to be) the emolient for, the
abdication of self respect ( read Love, gereally...) ?
Or...?
I think it is...
Or can be.
There is little ambiguity when it is not.
Phil
lasvegas
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Baymore"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2003 9:11 AM
Subject: Re: Art? Got Milk?
Why would anyone produce items for people they do not
respect?
That's easy....... for money.
And along that line, why would people buy from producers
that do not
respect them?
Same reason...... for money. Because it is cheaper than
elsewhere.
Somehow money seems to make "the world go round". Many
people will
compromise their values if money is involved.
best,
......................john
John Baymore
River Bend Pottery
22 Riverbend Way
Wilton, NH 03086-5812 USA
JBaymore@compuserve.com
http:\\www.JohnBaymore.com
603-654-2752 (studio)
800-900-1110 (studio)
"Earth, Water, and Fire Noborigama Woodfiring Workshop:
August 15-24,
2003"
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