I have the pleasure of teaching pottery classes at a local art center. And, it is typical for the potters taking the class to want to make a pot for some one special. I often wonder if the recipients of the pots know how much care and thought go into making these gifts.
The potters focus diligently on making a pot worthy of giving to a friend – sometimes to the point of debilitation. This is where multiples liberate me.
I love to make pots for some one in particular. But, I don’t typically sit down to make a pot for a friend. Rather, if I decide I want to give my friend a mug (for example), I begin a series of mugs, all the while thinking about her, her colors, her coffee cravings, etc. And, I also spend time praying for her as I cycle through the mugs. After I finish the series, I select the best mug, which is the mug that I give. Making a series helps alleviate the pressure to make the perfect pot and it increases the likelihood that I will make one worthy of my friend.
This is a wonderful blog. I hope everyone in class and all the classes read it and feel as liberated as I did by it! I am touched by the prayer that you put in your pottery that’s very inspiring. BTW … the pleasure you have in teaching… sorry my sweet friend but I think the pleasure of you teaching is all ours. Anyone to be lucky enough to have a class with you… is lucky enough.
Looking forward to class tomorrow. Next session “You’ve Been Mugged” has me totally psyched. Don’t worry I won’t forget to come fetch you at 5 🙂
I did learn a while ago that trying to make a specific pot for a loved one is fraught with issues and frustrations. I have more recently done as you suggested. Decided I had a general form I wanted to accomplish and made several in the hopes that one would be up to my standards for giving to this special someone. It alleviates some of the frustration and expectation to make several and chose the best. I enjoyed this blog as I do all of them, please keep them coming!