What do potters buy?
On Thursday evening, I attended the opening of the Colorado Potter’s Guild Fall Sale with the intention of buying a new mug for myself and to meet the membership chair of the Potter’s Guild in person. My friend, Kathleen Laurie, is a member of the guild and mentioned that if I came to opening night she would introduce me to a few people. When I first arrived, I ran into several former classmates and friends of mine from the Art Student’s League – which was a blast. I forget how much I enjoy the camaraderie of like minded people working together in a collective studio environment. At any rate, it was wonderful to catch up with friends.
I met Marta Rodeheffer, the guild’s membership chair woman, who introduced me to many of the guild’s members and we discussed the application procedures for applying to the guild. I need to return my paper application to her, and if the guild members like what they see, I’ll be interviewed and have my work reviewed by the guild at which time the membership will either vote me on or say “no thank-you”. I imagine that this will be a 1-2 month process and with the holidays fast approaching think that January would be a reasonable guess as to when I would find out my fate.
Why would I want to become a member? I’ve already mentioned the collective studio environment aspect, but in addition, they have a mentoring program and I would have access to a gas, wood and vapor kiln. I fire in oxidation which means I use an electric kiln and certain surface treatments just aren’t available to me. They also bring in nationally known ceramic artists for workshops and have a wealth of information to share.
So, I suppose I should ask myself what they would gain from admitting me to their ranks? Something for me to think about when I fill out my application and in preparation for my interview.
Back to the image of the mug at the top of this post and referencing my post last week on ceramic cups and mugs and the experiential aspect of drinking from a handmade cup. I must have fondled every single mug that was on display Thursday night while keeping an eye out for a catching design and how the mug would feel in my hand, weighted with coffee. I like a rather big cup of coffee every morning so this also played into my decision process. Last spring, I remember seeing the work of a certain potter at the Guild’s sale and was instantly attracted to her work. It’s unusual. This year, I found a rather lovely, 16 oz. capacity mug made by Sarah Christensen and promptly purchased it. My only regret is that I didn’t buy one for my husband. She had another, more masculine version, but I left without buying it. Then again, I think my husband should pick out his own mug based on his needs – don’t you think? After all it is a rather personal choice.
You’ll find me in the studio this weekend. I’ll be firing the kid’s snowflake ornaments and throwing quite a bit of work in preparation for the Fancy Tiger Handmade Craft Fair coming up in one month’s time.
Have a good weekend,
~Cynthia
Mehmet KIR
November 3, 2007 at 3:03 pm //
very good:)
chaetoons
November 3, 2007 at 6:35 pm //
Love Sarah Christensen’s mug. It’s cheerful and has a lot of character.
Cynthia — you have a LOT to offer the guild; if i were they, i’d be delighted to have you on the team!
Spent yesterday and day before running around town on the gas kiln oriface project, so this is the first opportunity to notice the link you’ve posted to my site. Thank You. It was a delight to see it here.
Chae
Angela
November 3, 2007 at 7:11 pm //
SNOWFLAKE Ornaments! Wooo sounds like fun!Did your children like making them?
I love this mug!Thanks for sharing it with us! You did a wonderful job! *HUGS*
Mary Timme
November 3, 2007 at 9:46 pm //
Oh, rats! I forgot to get to the sale! I’m a bit irritated I did that. I love that sale! Argh! Neat, cool mug!
Jafabrit
November 4, 2007 at 2:39 am //
Will keep my fingers crossed for you
I know what you mean about the camaraderie and being able to hang around and work with people who feel the same passion.
Well I am working on my found art tuesday project (I decided to join rosa murilla’s found art tuesday project).
Have a great weekend.
Jafabrit
November 4, 2007 at 1:56 pm //
well how did the double post happen lol! I didn’t do it, honest.
Cynthia
November 4, 2007 at 2:17 pm //
Thank you Mehmet.
Oh thanks for your comments, Chae, and you’re welcome for the link back. Now that sounds like something – the gas kiln oriface project? Oh wait, I remember now.
I hope the kids enjoyed making the ornaments, Angela. This week will be more fun – we’re making masks.
I was going to go back to the sale too, Mary, but never got around to it yesterday.
Woooooo – spooky, Jafabrit – double post. I considered joining Rosa Murilla’s found art Tuesday project at one time, but never got around to it. It seems like it would be a blast and I’m always up for motivation and a deadline.
andrea
November 4, 2007 at 2:56 pm //
Interesting about the guild — and I love mugs and teacups. I like having matched dishes but never teacups/mugs. I would add that one to my collection in a heartbeat!
Paula Manning-Lewis
November 4, 2007 at 3:00 pm //
Cool mug! congrats on your new studio, it looks great!
The guild would be lucky to have you as a member, good luck with that, I’m sure you’ll be accepted!
Janvangogh
November 4, 2007 at 3:45 pm //
Marta looks like she has some nice pottery pieces. I like your mug also.
The Lone Beader
November 4, 2007 at 4:09 pm //
I love the shape of that mug:)
Lynette
November 5, 2007 at 2:26 am //
What a pretty cup and I hope your going to show your snowflake ornaments!
Cynthia
November 5, 2007 at 12:56 pm //
That’s too funny, Andrea – I used to be all matchy matchy, but am trying to move away from that. Old habits die hard.
Thanks Paula – I like your confidence.
Janet, Marta seemed like a very nice person – I should have asked to see her pieces at the sale but I forgot because I felt a bit like a deer caught in the head lights.
I do too, Diana – my only complaint is that it doesn’t sit nicely on the arm of my sofa cause it’s so honkin big. But, it’s so pretty that It’s the only mug I’ve used since I bought it.
I bisqued the kid’s snowflake ornaments yesterday and should be able to pull them out of the kiln this am sometime so the kids can glaze them, Lynette. We’ll see.
HMBT
November 5, 2007 at 1:01 pm //
Break a leg with the guild! What a gift that would be on both sides. Enjoy your working in that lovely new studio time. *huge grin*