A while ago I was talking to a artist/curator friend that I respect very much at a party. Truthfully, I was whining about how for the past couple years I’ve been reading too much about politics and poverty, money and economics, and how it depresses me and makes it difficult for me to make work. I told her that lately it’s gotten worse and everything I start to make just feels stupid and shallow and pointless. (and it’s not even really winter yet. oh god. winter.)
She asked if I felt that way about art in general and I almost fainted. Oh dear god, no. Other people’s work is endlessly fascinating, it's just mine that's not so much.
She suggested I try writing about other people’s work (she’s always trying to get people to write) but, well, I don’t want to (too shy), and I started whining again. Eventually, I ended up saying that I just wanted to make pots and hock them cheap because, “the world is going to hell in a handcart and I just want to make things that are useful and beautiful, that people I like might want and could afford to buy.”
She said that was very noble, which, as a person with a whole lot of Catholic guilt, made me happy, but, as a person who reads way too much about poverty and politics etc, also made me a little sad. (that’s what passes for noble these days? ugh. The world is going to hell in a handcart, I tell you.)
But I loved the idea, and kept thinking about it, even obsessing about it, so, I’m doing it. I’m making cups, bowls, and plates etc, and slipcasting because I haven't made functional pots since high school (and I don't remember how) and so I can make them fast and sell them cheap. (I originally wanted to price them like they were from IKEA, but then I went to Ikea and saw how things were priced... speaking of IKEA, read this book.)
anyway, I love them almost as much as I love making them and pretty soon they'll be on sale. I will keep you posted.
She asked if I felt that way about art in general and I almost fainted. Oh dear god, no. Other people’s work is endlessly fascinating, it's just mine that's not so much.
She suggested I try writing about other people’s work (she’s always trying to get people to write) but, well, I don’t want to (too shy), and I started whining again. Eventually, I ended up saying that I just wanted to make pots and hock them cheap because, “the world is going to hell in a handcart and I just want to make things that are useful and beautiful, that people I like might want and could afford to buy.”
She said that was very noble, which, as a person with a whole lot of Catholic guilt, made me happy, but, as a person who reads way too much about poverty and politics etc, also made me a little sad. (that’s what passes for noble these days? ugh. The world is going to hell in a handcart, I tell you.)
But I loved the idea, and kept thinking about it, even obsessing about it, so, I’m doing it. I’m making cups, bowls, and plates etc, and slipcasting because I haven't made functional pots since high school (and I don't remember how) and so I can make them fast and sell them cheap. (I originally wanted to price them like they were from IKEA, but then I went to Ikea and saw how things were priced... speaking of IKEA, read this book.)
anyway, I love them almost as much as I love making them and pretty soon they'll be on sale. I will keep you posted.
7 comments:
I love then=m too. They are beautiful.
Nice to see the pots...after you make your molds...come to Austin and teach me how to slipcast!
I can't wait. Sign me up. I love seeing the process too.
xoxoxo.
I'd love to see them on sale! What a fantastic and inspiring post.
HORRAY for getting your hands dirty, and for making such wonderful little gems in the process!
YES! We're all called upon to do what we're good at to make this world a more wonderful place. That includes you. I can't wait to see them in person, and please sign me up for a "set" various sizes;)
Anyway, I miss you and we should have a meal or at least a glass of wine together and talk:)
I know exactly how you feel. I get overwhelmed at times thinking about what is going on in this world. At least once a day I think about selling everything I own and moving to a hut in Tibet, because I hate civilization, mostly.
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