Creative (and Empty) Bowls

Deal-makers aim for "win-win" as they believe

that means both parties get a benefit.

Sometimes, the stars align and a particular project

turns out to be a "win-win-win-win..."

Such was this year's fundraiser for "Feeding Avery Families."

Our quasi-official clay group (from 3 different states) scheduled our second annual Mudfest to coincide with our leader's (Mother Mud's) favorite community project: Empty Bowls.  Since the indefatigable Patti Conner-Greene spearheads the construction of clay bowls in the Avery County High School art classes she had also challenged us to each make one or more bowls to donate to the fundraiser.

The Mudpuppies

pottery support group and creative muses

Opening business included lunch, catching up and a birthday celebration.  While we were prepared to spend some time experimenting with "pinch pots," we first wanted to present our wares to the "Head of Pottery," Ms. Conner-Greene, the bowl collector.

I show you first my humble piece as I don't consider myself a potter and was really flummoxed by the task at hand.  It would not have taken too much for me to hide it and not "go public".  Live and learn.

Amy bravely unwrapped her efforts and began discussing techniques used and what she learned.  She talked about certain pieces that did not meet her "standards" and might be held from donation.

Lisa began sharing her work and soon we were all laughing and oohing and ahhing and trading "secrets" for how to get certain results.  We giggled over how much better the potential rejects looked out of their home studios....

Patti convinced us that despite our initial reaction to appearance she really loved, but even more, wanted, needed each and every bowl.  There was little time to hem and haw so back into the boxes and the bowls were off to the next day's event.

I'll save our pinching experience as well as our field trips for another time.  Fast forward to the day of the event and we see three (non-professional) potters arriving to volunteer for the event.  

 Barbara assisting a donor select a bowl

a view of the many bowls donated and Amy answering questions

Attendees make a donation to the organization in exchange for selecting a handmade bowl and then they sit down to enjoy a range of soups, breads and desserts.  Craft it and they will come: donors poured in to support the cause.  

Are they aware of what else they did?  

They gave a handful of fledging crafters the greatest high a maker can receive: they valued the product.  Professional pots mingled with first-ever pots, wondrous bowls cohabited with the humble, earth tones sat in harmony with wild colors.  But each one was lovingly picked up and handled with respect.  Our Puppies gave up guessing which one a donor would finally choose; each and every bowl seemed to ring the chimes of someone.  It is an understatement to say that the newbie potters saw their own work in an entirely new light.  The love of a stranger made a huge impact.  The adoption of one's potential reject changed its status forever.  Watching someone willingly select something you made provided a rush of adrenaline that is rare and wonderful.

Lisa rearranging the display as inventory diminishes

Long before the event was to serve its last bowl of soup the available "empty bowls" dwindled.  For the first time there was not a single hand-made, donated pottery bowl to pack up and store: they were all in new homes.  And, before even adding in anticipated funds from a silent auction, the event organizers were counting over $10,000 raised towards helping feed needy families in Avery County this winter.  Certainly a huge benefit for the organization and the citizens its serves.

Patti has often shared the generosity of high school students donating their first bowl as opposed to keeping it, and she told stories of the classes at the senior center making and giving a generous amount.  But she could not have predicted the numerous benefits participating in such a project would hold for each of us.  I'm not sure any of the Mud Pups have touched ground yet.

Take away on paper?  #1- When you compliment someone's art you are giving them a priceless, precious gift and encouragement to continue. #2- Never, ever underestimate the ability of your work to please, get it out there, let it breathe....it will find a friend.

win-win-win-win-win....such a deal!

MUDDY FINGERS,

Cindy

Sharing the Road

Learning With Friends  

"Glaze was painted, slopped, mixed, dipped, dripped, layered, squirted, and slung at the just-concluded, long-awaited, eagerly-anticipated Mud Fest 2 held.....on the east coast of Florida."

  

(The "MudPuppies" is an apt name for my loosely organized "clay play" support group. 

Having just received an update from my sister on a recent gathering which I could not attend, I

want to share the highlights from her account with you.  They are absolutely very 
valid observations for any creative gathering.)

 "Well," she wrote, "with the absence of two of our members we succumbed to an element of disorganization in our "proceedings."   (I laughed knowing the "agenda" obsession of the missing two!!) She continues:

" ...left to fend for ourselves we managed ably, if a bit

haphazardly.  Our goals were largely undefined and ever

changing but the weather was amazing, so lunch by the pool anchored our day, no matter

what time we started.  

"We taught each other what we knew, and since there was

little overlap, we emerged twice as smart!  

No matter that we kept forgetting what we had

just looked up (can you put non-clear glaze over velvet

underglaze?) or that we took notes on only half of what

we did (and only half of those are legible). No

matter that we made a mess, and switched gears more times

than you can say "now what?" "what's this?" or "who

knew?" 

"And who cares if we forgot to restir the clear glaze, or if Hot Running Chowder turned out to be runny and we still aren't  sure which glaze is which on those upchucky pots?

"We traded techniques, glazes, tools and stories.  We banished insecurities and self-critique. We co-authored pots. We experimented all over the place.

"Here is some of what we learned: 

• Stir, stir, stir your glazes.          
• If you can't figure out what to do next, just do something, anything.  It's no use in trying to be neat and organized but do bring more intentionality to play.
• We  learned it helps a lot to have a buddy when you are unsure, stuck, or discouraged. 
• We learned that making notes is really, really a good idea -so do it! 
• We learned that glazing doesn't have to be intimidating.

"We now know that with the right attitude we can handbuild, glaze, drink iced tea and then move to wine all pretty seamlessly, to good and fun results.  And that talk, giggles, confusion, questions, laughter and love make the wheels turn, the kiln burn, the hours fly, and the pots please.

Learning with friends is a great way to share the road, divide the load and have an unforgettable time as we summon our creative muses.  Thanks Amy for reminding us why we need the right attitude AND the right buddy as we learn.

OK...meet me in the studio!  Let's play,

Sharing the (colorful) Road,
Cindy