Chuck Wagoner on thu 2 feb 06
There is a clip of the Mori Pottery on the No. 2 "Potters
of Japan" films on the Peeler Ceramic Art Films. There is
a helper turning the wheel lying on the floor on his side. The
pot weighs close to 600 pounds. It also shows Mr. Mori
inspecting a large water pot(?) with his son.
If you are interested in purchasing those films (DVD's) you can
get them from Bracker's Good Earth Clays or Steven at the Potters Shop.
I
sell them, but I would prefer that people order them from those fine
establishments. (Mrs.Peeler asked me to help her convert them to DVD and
distribute them.)
By the way, Mrs. Peeler is still living in Reelsville, IN and can
tell many wonderful stories of the adventures of Mr. Peeler filming at
many studios in Japan. One such story is there was only enough power to
light one bulb and in the section where the clay looks almost black it
is really only because of the low light and was much lighter in
actuality.
Mrs. Peeler helped edit the films which were all spliced 16mm film which
they did themselves in their studio. Marj picked all the music and is
proud to have been a big influence on the decision to keep them short
and well under 30 min so they could be used effectively in a classroom
situation.
Whenever I hear about the films on this list or other places I always
let her know as is warms her heart to know they are still being used and
appreciated.
Marj Peeler has published many articles in P.M.I and Clay
Times on some of the unique techniques that they used during the 50 +
years they made clay art. These days she is doing mostly painting, paper
art and
illustrating childrens books. She still lives in a home they built of
"rammed earth" with their sculptures all around and the new art building
at DePauw University named in their honor. It is called the Richard
Peeler Art Center, but it was rare that Marj was not in involved the
creations at their rural studio.
She loves to tell people that the old 75 cubic foot gas kiln they
used for years suffered from "job burn out". They also fired a wood kiln
for
years too. Many people are in procession of their "Peeler Birds" and
many small and large hand built ceramic sculptures usually fired to Cone
10 with gas or wood.
Richard Peeler was a wonderful potter, teacher, sculptor and
artist. I miss him everyday and try to remember the things that I
learned from him. Most of all I try use good design principles and
craftsmanship as he would expect no less.
If anyone on the list has any Richard Peeler stories I'll be glad
to print them out and take them to Marj. She does not do E-mail, but she
writes wonderful letters.
One of the wonderful things about this list is the opportunity
to keep the memories of clay artists that have passed on alive. If you
would like to contact her personally just write me off list.
Best Regards from Indiana where we never really know what
time it is,
"Chuck"
Charles T. Wagoner
cwagoner@nvc.k12.in.us cwag@abcs.com
http://www.abcs.com/cwag
http://www.billiecreekvillage.org
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