Beyond being a potter, I am a member of a large family. Because my schedule is somewhat fluid, I am often called on when family members need assistance. I feel lucky to be able to help and often get pulled into strange trips to optometrists, hospitals and even drug rehab facilities. And yes, these adventures take me away from my work. This can lead to me feeling disoriented and lost upon my return to the studio. I will realize, I am alone in a room with a mound of mud and now upon demand, I must create. This can leave me feeling shaky for days.
Last week, I took Grandma Vaurny to the optometrist for an eye injection. The injection is meant to stop fluid leaking from the retina, which causes macular degeneration. Grandma is a hoot-she is rather deaf, isn't very steady on her feet and her eyesight is sketchy. Though she's falling apart, she still has a strong sense of style. She let the doctor know that his tie did not match his shirt. He tried to convince her that it did, but she wouldn't hear of it. Ultimately, he gave in and said he would let his wife know...The week before, it was a trip to the dentist, where I left my newly arrived Ceramics Monthly-oh well!
She lives in a lovely assisted living situation in Huntington-round trip time=two hours. The architecture of the place is reminiscent of a castle. This ticks her off a bit, "I don't know why they made it look like a castle. It is
not a castle!" She eats alone in her room rather than going down to the dining room, which is a clothe napkin, silverware sort of setting complete with crystal chandeliers. When I asked, "Grandma, why don't you eat with the other folks here?" Her answer? "They are all
so old." There you have it.
On top of these adventures, I got the brilliant idea to switch from a white clay body, which I have been using for the past couple of years, to a dark stoneware. I do this often enough to keep myself fairly crazy. When I make this switch, I'm always convinced the change will lead to a eureka moment. I am also sure that moment will arrive with the new clay. If nothing else, these changes keep me on my toes. After three weeks of self-doubt, I am actually getting into a new groove. Just in time, for depression was starting to set in. Spending hours in the studio helps tremendously and I am simply making-plus quieting that critic, who can pop into my head to offer unsolicited comments at unexpected moments.
Along with uninterrupted hours in the studio, I find checking out what other potters are up to in their studio helps a lot.
Josey Goes to Pot is a favorite. She has a link to another blogging potter,
Smokey Clennell, which I found both soothing and interesting. Smokey is in China with the University of Nebraska. He is taking pictures and sharing stories about the life of potters in China. Clay seems to be everywhere, and I found that very heartening. It helped to remind me, I am not alone, but part of a larger network of people working in the same medium, attempting to attain a similar goal-making pots that work. And now, off to the studio.
