mel jacobson on wed 17 dec 03
dear david, dear friend.
you have just joined the crowd of crafts persons
that have been treated like dirt.
and, what is worse, the folks that direct the
gallery, the museum...whatever, do not have
a clue. `why should you be offended, you are
just a potter?`
we do not belong to the art world.
it is a fact. we are crafts people.
sorta hippy, dorks that mess with clay.
phew, dirty clay too. i have seen them
sorta hold their noses. get that look on
their faces....`whoooie, clay, dirt, muck.`
don't get near my new dress or jacket.
why do i sell at home?
why do i not use galleries?
why am i offended my museum people?
you just found out...first hand.
clayarters, i know david...we have spent time together.
you would not find a kinder, more gentle soul on this
earth. he makes fine pots. he is a potters, potter.
it matters not.
he is `JUST A CRAFTSMAN`.
I WOULD HAVE LIFTED MY KNEE INTO HER GROIN!
YOU SEE FRIENDS, WE CANNOT STAND FOR THIS.
THIS IS WRONG, IT IS OBSCENE.
and, where do they make the money to keep the
business open...craft. gifts. do they sell paintings
in 2003. no.
they depend on david to bring his friend and buy the
pots, and get the commission.
mel
this is not an excuse.
there are some wonderful hard working owners
of galleries that will give us a break.
but, most are sharks.
From:
Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.A.
web site: my.pclink.com/~melpots
or try: http://www.pclink.com/melpots
new/ http://www.rid-a-tick.com
Janet Kaiser on thu 18 dec 03
Dear Mel, Dear Friend
You alarm me. Sadden me too. I think that the caring gallerists
around the world are worth more than a single sentence as a pc
after-thought. You may have us all written off as worse than
used-car salesmen and women, but a lot of blood, sweat and tears
goes into our work too you know. Eckhard and I sank all our
savings into providing artists and makers with a worthy venue to
show their work, we have worked 18 hour days, 365 days per year
(yes, even Christmas Day is spent clearing up after the Carol
Concert for the Friends of the gallery) for many years and now
our health is broken, we have no nest egg or source of other
funding to get us through the years left to us... Yeh, yeh, get
out the violins.
But a pair of pretty toothless sharks we have here, I can tell
you! And judging by the number of galleries closing down around
the world, I do not believe we are the only ones.
So let us just say that hearing you, makes me even sadder than I
already was. Bitter would be a better word, because you are not
the only one to have suffered from "that attitude". It works both
ways. Now I have been on both sides of the fence first as an
artist/maker then as a gallerist, and believe me, I wish I could
go back in time and apologise for my attitude towards galleries
which I learned from my "elders and betters" before I even
stepped into my first gallery to peddle my wares. Those guys did
me a great disservice...
What they should have been saying, was, "learn to judge people".
Network. Talk to other artists and makers. Also use your head and
learn to recognise which venues to approach, which are going to
be "appropriate". No good trying to get a Kosher butcher to sell
ham shanks for you. Same thing goes for potters or anyone else...
I am tired. I am in pain. I am burned out. My only recreation is
Clayart. God help me.
Sadly
Janet Kaiser
*** IN REPLY TO THE FOLLOWING MAIL:
>dear david, dear friend.
>
>you have just joined the crowd of crafts persons
>that have been treated like dirt.
>
>and, what is worse, the folks that direct the
>gallery, the museum...whatever, do not have
>a clue. `why should you be offended, you are
>just a potter?`
>
>we do not belong to the art world.
>it is a fact. we are crafts people.
>sorta hippy, dorks that mess with clay.
>phew, dirty clay too. i have seen them
>sorta hold their noses. get that look on
>their faces....`whoooie, clay, dirt, muck.`
>don't get near my new dress or jacket.
>
>why do i sell at home?
>why do i not use galleries?
>why am i offended my museum people?
>you just found out...first hand.
>
>clayarters, i know david...we have spent time together.
>you would not find a kinder, more gentle soul on this
>earth. he makes fine pots. he is a potters, potter.
>it matters not.
>he is `JUST A CRAFTSMAN`.
>
>I WOULD HAVE LIFTED MY KNEE INTO HER GROIN!
>
>YOU SEE FRIENDS, WE CANNOT STAND FOR THIS.
>THIS IS WRONG, IT IS OBSCENE.
>and, where do they make the money to keep the
>business open...craft. gifts. do they sell paintings
>in 2003. no.
>they depend on david to bring his friend and buy the
>pots, and get the commission.
>mel
>this is not an excuse.
>there are some wonderful hard working owners
>of galleries that will give us a break.
>but, most are sharks.
*** THE MAIL FROM mel jacobson ENDS HERE ***
***********************************************************
The top posted mail was sent by Janet Kaiser
The Chapel of Art : Capel Celfyddyd
8 Marine Crescent : Criccieth : Wales : UK
Centre of Excellence for The Arts
Home of The International Potters' Path
Tel: ++44 (01766) 523570 http://www.the-coa.org.uk
Open: 13.00 to 17.00hrs : Tuesday to Saturday
************** AVG Virus Protected ********************
claybair on thu 18 dec 03
David,
My first similar insult experience occurred within 10 miles of you.
After spending the first 50 years of my life pursuing the "arts"
I took my first clay class and was hooked.
I joined the Louisville CO. Art Assoc. and when they had an annual show
I decided to enter.
The day of the show while waiting in line to register I noticed each artist
received a 3x5 card apparently for a jury process. When it was my turn in
line I
mentioned that I had not received a 3x5 card.
From the end of the table came a voice stating
"Oh, She doesn't get one she's Crafts not "Art".
I blew a gasket..... and was very vocal about the insult
and suggested that the "artists" to look at my work and decide
for themselves whether it was "craft" or "art".
Numerous people came over to me admitting my work was "art".
So what happened here.... after all those years as an "artist" I am suddenly
a "crafter".
Now note this group was peppered with a bunch of "blue hairs" whose best
talent rivaled
paint by numbers. They decided I could enter the jury process if my work was
considered
sculptural.... I declined. Oddly enough the winner was someone who used
cookie cutter designs and cut them out or wood to make xmas decorations.....
Wha-da-$(*%!!!!
I am still trying to resolve the fact that my pieces though original designs
cannot yet command
the prices they deserve. If I made a woodcut and pulled a couple hundred
prints from it I would start pricing at $40 a piece. Now I am using my
printmaking background & carving individual designs on each piece and if I
charge more than $35 for soup bowls they sells slowly.
So this has become a quest... to upgrade functional to works of art and have
people recognize it. It's starting to happen but it's a slow process.
One of the galleries that carry my work on occasion came by at my last show
and said I should bring in some of those pieces. I told her that I just
couldn't sell them at that price and take a 50% commission hit. Her response
was, "Bring them in.... we'll talk". I haven't brought them in as I don't
know if I want to "talk".
Mel is absolutely right but he also has built up his following over the
years. Those still in an initial
phase of our clay careers do not yet have large mailing lists, numerous
repeat customers, a wonderful reputation and fame. So we still cycle in and
out of experiences with bad galleries, shows, wholesaling & various means of
advertising.
So I am bumbling through the experience and have not yet been able to say I
could support myself financially but can say each year I have made more $
than the previous one. I must be doing something right I just wish it would
happen faster.
I am proud to be in the category (to quote Mel) "a sorta hippy, dorks that
mess with clay".
I abandoned the superficial "Art world" long ago.... I have never regretted
that decision.
Hang in there David in a few years the studio tour you initiated in
Lafayette will become a big draw. Then you can kick back and enjoy what to
some will seem like instant success......but I'll know better! Your work is
beautiful and those in the know recognize you are a master at your art and
craft.
Gayle Bair
Bainbridge Island, WA
http://claybair.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On Behalf Of mel jacobson
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 10:01 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: david's disaster/show
dear david, dear friend.
you have just joined the crowd of crafts persons
that have been treated like dirt.
and, what is worse, the folks that direct the
gallery, the museum...whatever, do not have
a clue. `why should you be offended, you are
just a potter?`
we do not belong to the art world.
it is a fact. we are crafts people.
sorta hippy, dorks that mess with clay.
phew, dirty clay too. i have seen them
sorta hold their noses. get that look on
their faces....`whoooie, clay, dirt, muck.`
don't get near my new dress or jacket.
why do i sell at home?
why do i not use galleries?
why am i offended my museum people?
you just found out...first hand.
clayarters, i know david...we have spent time together.
you would not find a kinder, more gentle soul on this
earth. he makes fine pots. he is a potters, potter.
it matters not.
he is `JUST A CRAFTSMAN`.
I WOULD HAVE LIFTED MY KNEE INTO HER GROIN!
YOU SEE FRIENDS, WE CANNOT STAND FOR THIS.
THIS IS WRONG, IT IS OBSCENE.
and, where do they make the money to keep the
business open...craft. gifts. do they sell paintings
in 2003. no.
they depend on david to bring his friend and buy the
pots, and get the commission.
mel
this is not an excuse.
there are some wonderful hard working owners
of galleries that will give us a break.
but, most are sharks.
From:
Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.A.
web site: my.pclink.com/~melpots
or try: http://www.pclink.com/melpots
new/ http://www.rid-a-tick.com
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
David Beumee on fri 19 dec 03
Dear Gail,
The Tour I founded (I think I'm president for life) has monthly meetings at
the Louisville Center for the Arts, home of a yearly K-12 art show which I
have come to look forward to very much. The high schoolers get the press, but
are regularly blown away by the kindergarteners and first graders, whose
astonishing innocence and lack of self consciousness is utterly refreshing.
Paul Klee would be proud.
Thankyou very much for your words of encouragement. It's such a pleasure to
meet anyone who shows up for our yearly Tour and has had some contact with
clay. Invariably such people make comments that are understanding of the
difficulty of the process. In the present political environment which has
lasted more than a generation and is becoming more virulent, arts funding has
dried up to the point where an entire generation of youngsters haven't had the
chance to get there hands in the clay at all, so where does that leave the
"next?" generation of artists who love clay and want to make it their life? My
students are my age or older, but at least I have given myself the opportunity
to pass on my knowledge to someone.
After 30 years at this, I feel as though I am still bumbling through like
you, and I do feel that things get a little better as the years go by. The
work definately improves, and the finances improve (sort of, maybe, kinda).
Breaking out of the lower middle class may not happen, but by God I keep
trying. I very much respect your decision to have long since abandoned the
"Art World." Having grown up in a state (Montana) where it was ok to be an
artist, that one is impossible for me to abandon, because I've considered
myself an artist all my life. Thanks again for your kind words.
David Beumee
Earth Alchemy Pottery
Lafayette, CO
> David,
> My first similar insult experience occurred within 10 miles of you.
> After spending the first 50 years of my life pursuing the "arts"
> I took my first clay class and was hooked.
> I joined the Louisville CO. Art Assoc. and when they had an annual show
> I decided to enter.
> The day of the show while waiting in line to register I noticed each artist
> received a 3x5 card apparently for a jury process. When it was my turn in
> line I
> mentioned that I had not received a 3x5 card.
> From the end of the table came a voice stating
> "Oh, She doesn't get one she's Crafts not "Art".
> I blew a gasket..... and was very vocal about the insult
> and suggested that the "artists" to look at my work and decide
> for themselves whether it was "craft" or "art".
> Numerous people came over to me admitting my work was "art".
>
> So what happened here.... after all those years as an "artist" I am suddenly
> a "crafter".
> Now note this group was peppered with a bunch of "blue hairs" whose best
> talent rivaled
> paint by numbers. They decided I could enter the jury process if my work was
> considered
> sculptural.... I declined. Oddly enough the winner was someone who used
> cookie cutter designs and cut them out or wood to make xmas decorations.....
> Wha-da-$(*%!!!!
>
> I am still trying to resolve the fact that my pieces though original designs
> cannot yet command
> the prices they deserve. If I made a woodcut and pulled a couple hundred
> prints from it I would start pricing at $40 a piece. Now I am using my
> printmaking background & carving individual designs on each piece and if I
> charge more than $35 for soup bowls they sells slowly.
>
> So this has become a quest... to upgrade functional to works of art and have
> people recognize it. It's starting to happen but it's a slow process.
>
> One of the galleries that carry my work on occasion came by at my last show
> and said I should bring in some of those pieces. I told her that I just
> couldn't sell them at that price and take a 50% commission hit. Her response
> was, "Bring them in.... we'll talk". I haven't brought them in as I don't
> know if I want to "talk".
>
> Mel is absolutely right but he also has built up his following over the
> years. Those still in an initial
> phase of our clay careers do not yet have large mailing lists, numerous
> repeat customers, a wonderful reputation and fame. So we still cycle in and
> out of experiences with bad galleries, shows, wholesaling & various means of
> advertising.
>
> So I am bumbling through the experience and have not yet been able to say I
> could support myself financially but can say each year I have made more $
> than the previous one. I must be doing something right I just wish it would
> happen faster.
>
> I am proud to be in the category (to quote Mel) "a sorta hippy, dorks that
> mess with clay".
> I abandoned the superficial "Art world" long ago.... I have never regretted
> that decision.
>
> Hang in there David in a few years the studio tour you initiated in
> Lafayette will become a big draw. Then you can kick back and enjoy what to
> some will seem like instant success......but I'll know better! Your work is
> beautiful and those in the know recognize you are a master at your art and
> craft.
>
> Gayle Bair
> Bainbridge Island, WA
> http://claybair.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On Behalf Of mel jacobson
> Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 10:01 AM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: david's disaster/show
>
>
> dear david, dear friend.
>
> you have just joined the crowd of crafts persons
> that have been treated like dirt.
>
> and, what is worse, the folks that direct the
> gallery, the museum...whatever, do not have
> a clue. `why should you be offended, you are
> just a potter?`
>
> we do not belong to the art world.
> it is a fact. we are crafts people.
> sorta hippy, dorks that mess with clay.
> phew, dirty clay too. i have seen them
> sorta hold their noses. get that look on
> their faces....`whoooie, clay, dirt, muck.`
> don't get near my new dress or jacket.
>
> why do i sell at home?
> why do i not use galleries?
> why am i offended my museum people?
> you just found out...first hand.
>
> clayarters, i know david...we have spent time together.
> you would not find a kinder, more gentle soul on this
> earth. he makes fine pots. he is a potters, potter.
> it matters not.
> he is `JUST A CRAFTSMAN`.
>
> I WOULD HAVE LIFTED MY KNEE INTO HER GROIN!
>
> YOU SEE FRIENDS, WE CANNOT STAND FOR THIS.
> THIS IS WRONG, IT IS OBSCENE.
> and, where do they make the money to keep the
> business open...craft. gifts. do they sell paintings
> in 2003. no.
> they depend on david to bring his friend and buy the
> pots, and get the commission.
> mel
> this is not an excuse.
> there are some wonderful hard working owners
> of galleries that will give us a break.
> but, most are sharks.
>
>
>
> From:
> Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.A.
> web site: my.pclink.com/~melpots
> or try: http://www.pclink.com/melpots
> new/ http://www.rid-a-tick.com
>
> ____________________________________________________________________________
> __
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
John Rodgers on sun 21 dec 03
Gayle,
I really get tic'd over attitude about pottery and clayart. I've been
burned a few times. It's pervasive. Even into the business licensing
aspect in government. When I went to get my business license. I was
asked what I did and replied that I am a studio potter and sell at art
and craft shows. My license was then issued under the category of
"Peddlers, Millers, and Corn Oil Producers"! Really tic'd me off!!!
The Alabama Dept. of Revenue, who issues business licenses, doesn't even
recognize the Federal SEC codes for categorizing businesses.
Good old Alabama. No wonder the state is at the bottom of the list. One
of the reasons I left here so many years ago. Prol'ly should have stayed
gone.
Regards,
John Rodgers
Chelsea, AL
claybair wrote:
>David,
>My first similar insult experience occurred within 10 miles of you.
>After spending the first 50 years of my life pursuing the "arts"
>I took my first clay class and was hooked.
>I joined the Louisville CO. Art Assoc. and when they had an annual show
>I decided to enter.
>The day of the show while waiting in line to register I noticed each artist
>received a 3x5 card apparently for a jury process. When it was my turn in
>line I
>mentioned that I had not received a 3x5 card.
>>From the end of the table came a voice stating
>"Oh, She doesn't get one she's Crafts not "Art".
>I blew a gasket..... and was very vocal about the insult
>and suggested that the "artists" to look at my work and decide
>for themselves whether it was "craft" or "art".
>Numerous people came over to me admitting my work was "art".
>
>So what happened here.... after all those years as an "artist" I am suddenly
>a "crafter".
>Now note this group was peppered with a bunch of "blue hairs" whose best
>talent rivaled
>paint by numbers. They decided I could enter the jury process if my work was
>considered
>sculptural.... I declined. Oddly enough the winner was someone who used
>cookie cutter designs and cut them out or wood to make xmas decorations.....
>Wha-da-$(*%!!!!
>
>I am still trying to resolve the fact that my pieces though original designs
>cannot yet command
>the prices they deserve. If I made a woodcut and pulled a couple hundred
>prints from it I would start pricing at $40 a piece. Now I am using my
>printmaking background & carving individual designs on each piece and if I
>charge more than $35 for soup bowls they sells slowly.
>
>So this has become a quest... to upgrade functional to works of art and have
>people recognize it. It's starting to happen but it's a slow process.
>
>One of the galleries that carry my work on occasion came by at my last show
>and said I should bring in some of those pieces. I told her that I just
>couldn't sell them at that price and take a 50% commission hit. Her response
>was, "Bring them in.... we'll talk". I haven't brought them in as I don't
>know if I want to "talk".
>
>Mel is absolutely right but he also has built up his following over the
>years. Those still in an initial
>phase of our clay careers do not yet have large mailing lists, numerous
>repeat customers, a wonderful reputation and fame. So we still cycle in and
>out of experiences with bad galleries, shows, wholesaling & various means of
>advertising.
>
>So I am bumbling through the experience and have not yet been able to say I
>could support myself financially but can say each year I have made more $
>than the previous one. I must be doing something right I just wish it would
>happen faster.
>
>I am proud to be in the category (to quote Mel) "a sorta hippy, dorks that
>mess with clay".
>I abandoned the superficial "Art world" long ago.... I have never regretted
>that decision.
>
>Hang in there David in a few years the studio tour you initiated in
>Lafayette will become a big draw. Then you can kick back and enjoy what to
>some will seem like instant success......but I'll know better! Your work is
>beautiful and those in the know recognize you are a master at your art and
>craft.
>
>Gayle Bair
>Bainbridge Island, WA
>http://claybair.com
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On Behalf Of mel jacobson
>Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 10:01 AM
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: david's disaster/show
>
>
>dear david, dear friend.
>
>you have just joined the crowd of crafts persons
>that have been treated like dirt.
>
>and, what is worse, the folks that direct the
>gallery, the museum...whatever, do not have
>a clue. `why should you be offended, you are
>just a potter?`
>
>we do not belong to the art world.
>it is a fact. we are crafts people.
>sorta hippy, dorks that mess with clay.
>phew, dirty clay too. i have seen them
>sorta hold their noses. get that look on
>their faces....`whoooie, clay, dirt, muck.`
>don't get near my new dress or jacket.
>
>why do i sell at home?
>why do i not use galleries?
>why am i offended my museum people?
>you just found out...first hand.
>
>clayarters, i know david...we have spent time together.
>you would not find a kinder, more gentle soul on this
>earth. he makes fine pots. he is a potters, potter.
>it matters not.
>he is `JUST A CRAFTSMAN`.
>
>I WOULD HAVE LIFTED MY KNEE INTO HER GROIN!
>
>YOU SEE FRIENDS, WE CANNOT STAND FOR THIS.
>THIS IS WRONG, IT IS OBSCENE.
>and, where do they make the money to keep the
>business open...craft. gifts. do they sell paintings
>in 2003. no.
>they depend on david to bring his friend and buy the
>pots, and get the commission.
>mel
>this is not an excuse.
>there are some wonderful hard working owners
>of galleries that will give us a break.
>but, most are sharks.
>
>
>
>From:
>Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.A.
>web site: my.pclink.com/~melpots
>or try: http://www.pclink.com/melpots
>new/ http://www.rid-a-tick.com
>
>____________________________________________________________________________
>__
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
>
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