Craig Clark on fri 28 jan 05
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Millard, I struggle to stay out of these discussions because they
often are only peripherally connect to clay. The associate thread of
this one being the sanity saving aspect of clay. Along the lines of
mental stability and clarity it is of importance to note that we are
living in a country that is composed of, from the very beginning,
immigrants. The latest river of folks are just more of what has built
this country. They are part of what gives us our strength.
Rather than focusing on the differences and language barriers it is
helpful to attempt to look upon the greater family of the species human.
I live in Houston Texas and the reality is that Spanish is spoken by
better than half the population. My wife, who is a school teacher,
speaks the language quite well. We have many friends, from a variety of
ethnic backgrounds, who speak the language. I also know folks who speak
Farsi, Mandinka, Hebrew, Italian, Vietnamese, and various dialogues from
the countries of India and China.All of these differences have indeed
added to the fullness of life from my perspective.
My language skills are marginal but that does not stop me from
tuning into a variety of radio programs on our local Pacifica station
which broadcast in roughly 13 different languages. It is wonderful. The
primary programming is in English as are ninety percent of the shows.
The show hosts are all bi-or more-lingual. They broadcast over the
internet as well if you are interested. Just check out KPFT in Houston
Texas.
To bring my point back home to clay I would further suggest that the
material with which we, as the greater potting community work, is the
essence of each and every one of us. It is not specific to any one
group. It is truly a universal truth, or at least a means by which to
search for one.
I absolutely drool over the pottery of the ancient Chinese and the
Greeks. Contemporary pottery from around the globe, with the cross
cultural influences, has taken us to different places that may not have
been possible in isolated, unconnected communities.Clay is the
quintessential uniter for me. It speaks to plain, simple truths that are
difficult to describe. This is a concept that I let drift form my
conscious thoughts at times and I thank you for reminding me.
Just a few thoughts
Craig Dunn Clark (who's Spanish language skills are marginal)
619 East 11 1/2 st
Houston, Texas 77008
(713)861-2083
mudman@hal-pc.org
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