Lee Love on sat 22 jul 06
On 7/22/06, Tom at Hutchtel.net wrote:
>
> I've never heard someone talk about the high quality whatever they got at
> the local discount shop....only the price.
I have never bought them, but the quality of the enamel
brushwork on the Thai bowls I was speaking about is very high. Puts
most American brushwork to shame. Also, the Chinese potters are
especially good at decoration, and they are gearing up for export I
saw a program on this on NHK the other day. Right now, they are
researching and figuring out what we want to buy. When they know we
want "hand made", they will make it for us. So, we can't help
sell local work, only basing our decisions on quality.
We have to buy "local" because it is good for the economy that
supports us, and it is easier on the environment.
--
Lee in Mashiko, Japan
http://mashiko.org
My google Notebooks:
http://tinyurl.com/e5p3n
"The accessibility of the handmade object in today's world seems vital
and radical, and hopefully tempers our hunger for 'progress' and
rationality" - , Michael Kline
Donald Burroughs on mon 24 jul 06
Lee...
I agree with you that it is healthier and more environmentally friendly to
buy local, but I am afraid that will not go over even in the arts. Why?
Because the consumer (and I am not talking about our special and
dedicated collector base) only recognise price and will buy the "hand
made" wares to compliment their decor or elevate their quote unquote
sophistication. The Chinese without sounding bias or discriminitory are
masters of the art of fakery/copiers of all the major designer brands and
pottery should be no exception especially since they have had a
significant role in its history. I love hand made pottery for everyday use
made by a local accompolshed craftsperson, but I fear that the North
American consumerist who is driven by price ,price, price will need to be
educated by us the makers of pottery/ceramic art of the detriment of that
mentality.
Furthermore it does not help the ceramic artist/potter that their own
material costs and equipment costs are significantly higher in price. We
already know that the "Chinese" mainland or Taiwan are making pottery
equipment for export, eg.; the Frema line - which I might add I purchased
their slab roller without regret, as it makes fine slabs and is itself a
well constructed piece of machinery. Like any limited income artist I have
had to consider the cost of doing business. The slab roller was a gamble,
but it paid off. I could go on and I know without doubt that I will get
flack over the purchase of the slab roller, but purchasing power equals
monies recieved despite my invaluable (to me) education in the arts and
the quality and uniqueness of my work.
The answer will lie I believe in cultural protection policies eg.; import
quotas and the like much like we have in Canada in order to protect
content.
Sincerely, Donald Burroughs
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