Lily Krakowski on thu 4 sep 03
Snail and Vince: I have been told that yes the fumes are deadliest but that
physical contact with MnO2 also is harmful. In trimming, granules can
become dust. Patati, patata. Hobre avertido vale dos, my father used to
say.
Vince. You call me an alarmist so often it has become a badge of honor.
I keep repeating like a mantra people can do what they want. The
responsibility of the "Other" is to warn of dangers. I do not think there
is anything wrong with saying to someone "That pimple on your nose has been
there too long. Have it checked. Might be skin cancer." That is a true
story. It WAS skin-cancer.
Re: mo[u]lds: Sorry, not that fast. It makes no never mind to me whether
A or B or even C consider molds inferior superior or in between; consider
fuel burned kilns and their wares inferior, superior, or in between.
Last week HUGE debate whether skill or intention makes one an "artist" I was
told roundly soundly that intention and self-definition are what matters.
Everyone is creative, every one should express the inner self, etc. My
argument that skill matters, that an artist is a supremely skilled person
who is given the title artist as recognition was hooted out of court.
Now, all of THE sudden, as they say in NYC, skill is what matters. Mold
makers are not skilled enough...there is not enough individuality to the
pieces even if/when they are modified and individualized later....I KNOW no
one is saying that a child's paw print on a tile is superior to an exquisite
mold made urn --but surely no definiiton, no argument has been given.
AS TO ELECTRIC KILNS. Yes, there is no sweat, there are no splinters, there
is no twisted ankle, third-degree burns, singed forelocks and what not. Yes:
firing as a social/communal event does not happen. But it might be
remembered that in Japan--or so I am told--firers are not necessarily
potters, but professional fire-men.
Be that as it may: as to beauty; I keep bleating this but has anyone looked
at British books--the exquisite stuff Cooper has in his books; Eileen
Lewenstein's "to die for" work....As far as I know Lucie Rie and Hans Coper
fired electrically....
What is it with reduction? I love fire that is not the point. But as
craftsmen, duh, as potters, duh x 2 what is this all about? What is this
brain-washing all about?
Lili Krakowski
Constableville, N.Y.
Be of good courage....
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