Friday, January 25, 2008

a foursome


(mugs with lovey dovey hearts by Gary Rith)
Dreamt last night, among other things, of bicycling across a snowy Vermont but then I realized my pottery destiny. The wilder pots I make (see Potter's Blog header, for instance) the better. It is me at my best.

Visited the Cornell University ceramics studio yesterday and later chatted briefly with the director. Basically, I explained that I don't need a studio or a class, BUT here I am at home fiddling around and wouldn't it be fun to get out and mix with other potters etc? He says ALL their instructors come to them for that reason. So, I think I may sign up for a class and go over and goof around and see where it leads me. Shake up the brain a little bit. And yes, I have taught pottery many times and I am hoping to do so again, maybe this will lead that direction.

12 comments:

Gordo said...

Professor Potter? snicker

That sounds pretty cool, Gary. Shaking up the brain, to a certain extent, is a very good thing.

Anonymous said...

my brain is fossilizing, Gord

Anonymous said...

gary, there is nothing wrong with your brain.

you never know what's around the corner that's what's so exciting about life.

Gordo said...

Challenges, Gary. Step outside your comfort zone and see what happens. If a step isn't enough, then take a tunning leap.

Anonymous said...

very good thinking! you've said January and winter was a time for new projects and directions and this is a fine example!

Anonymous said...

have fun!
a number of years ago they had Ah Leon in residence there for a semester. kinda wild since they don't actually have a ceramics program.
some people, as you will meet, pretty much hang out there all day. and some people think they run the place because they volunteer and have been around for years. you know the usual thing that can happen. of course that was years ago.
maybe now everyone needs to be in a class to have access to the studio. and they may have reorganized/remodelled over the years. hardly anyone handbuilt and the poor slab roller was greatly underutilized.

Anonymous said...

Lookit you, getting out and mingling. Next thing you know, you'll be hosting foreign guests. Oh, wait...hee

Anonymous said...

The funny thing is, of course, is that I already have a big comfy studio. They boast of having 3 kilns, but I have 3 kilns too! As I say, he says there are other professionals there just trying to get out of the studio and soak up the atmosphere.
A class there for me is like going back to kindergarten, but hey, kindergarten was fun!

You do realize that I just want to meet people and sell them pottery, right?

Anonymous said...

The funny thing is, of course, is that I already have a big comfy studio. They boast of having 3 kilns, but I have 3 kilns too! As I say, he says there are other professionals there just trying to get out of the studio and soak up the atmosphere.
A class there for me is like going back to kindergarten, but hey, kindergarten was fun!

You do realize that I just want to meet people and sell them pottery, right?

Anonymous said...

Gary, I just love the big googly eyes on the valentine heart mugs! They add so much character (and an element of lust.)

EH

Ellen said...

My mother wisely told me years ago, that you can always learn something new from someone. I think that is true. So, Gary, you may be far more advanced than the others in the class, but you may learn a new technique, or a tip, or just get a new glaze recipe that will make it all worth while. Have fun!

Anonymous said...

that's what I was thinking, Ellen, thanks