Saying No is Hard To Do & Career Day
Handbuilt porcelain boxes – I hope to bisque fire them tomorrow. The smallest is 1″ square, the largest is 5″ x 6″
I’ve had a couple of opportunities come my way recently that I would have jumped at the chance to do 1 year ago. My schedule is filling up, however, and after careful consideration I had to decline offers to teach and show my work. Now, my work isn’t in that high of demand, mind you – but it is a timing issue. It’s hard to tell someone no, however, and when I was originally propositioned, I wisely asked for time to think about it. I don’t like saying “no” to anyone, but after looking at my calendar and checking my sanity level, I declined. I’m one of those people that doesn’t like to disappoint, but I do need to look after my own health and sanity.
John F. Kennedy High School, Denver, CO
Meanwhile, I spent the majority of the morning at John F. Kennedy High School in South Denver speaking to 4 different ceramics classes for career day. I was approached by the school’s resource specialist about being the ceramics speaker a couple of months ago – and wondered if they wouldn’t like to have someone a little more experienced than myself. I was hesitant, but eventually agreed to do it since it is good practice speaking in front of people – especially to high school students. I hope I didn’t bore them too much – and tried my best to offer up different options within the field of ceramics that could offer a lifelong career.
Overall, the kids were very polite and seemed interested in what I had to say. After the first talk, I realized I needed to be more succinct and by the 4th time around, felt very comfortable with my spiel. It is after all my story. I saw a few kid’s eyes glaze over (pun intended), and felt I was intruding when I walked down the back stairway to my car and saw a couple making out. Was I like that in H.S.??
I procrastinated getting my images and outline prepared – so this morning I was up at 4am cramming for my presentation, which is only fitting, don’t you think?
Now I need a nap,
~Cynthia
janvangogh
April 16, 2008 at 2:13 pm //
You have been busy. Now you need to come up with something for people to buy to put IN the boxes! Dont let them use their own stuff!!
Mary Starosta
April 16, 2008 at 6:23 pm //
WOW, those are labor intense and look marvelous! Really nice job and I hope they sell well for you, what an original idea. I tried your technique but my image was not crisp and it blurred a bit. SO it’s not as easy as you made it look!
Phyllis Eynon
April 16, 2008 at 7:15 pm //
Dear Cynthia,
My daughter, Emiy, is an eighth grade student who attends Middle School in Conifer. She has a Career Day Thursday April 24. She has a great interest in ceramics. She has been taking pottery classes for years. she is very interested in learning more about a possible career regarding ceramics. We found your website and you sound like an awesome person who may be able to help us.
I know this is a huge favor, but would you be interested in letting her shadow you , even if for just a few short hours, on Thurs April 24? We can also do it any day before hand at your convenience. Any day, any time.
If you could get back to me as soon as possible I would truly appreciate it. I’m sorry for such late notice for such a huge favor, but a few of the other avenues we have persued for this project have not worked out.
Thank you for you time,
Phyllis Eynon
Melody
April 17, 2008 at 4:36 am //
Cynthia those boxes are just beautiful. So delicate.
Cynthia
April 17, 2008 at 5:32 am //
I have a vision, Janet, but, it doesn’t necessarily include my work.
It takes some practice, Mary – and after doing the transfers with all my kids, I got pretty good at it!
Hi Phyllis, I just emailed you, and I edited you post to protect your privacy a little bit. It’s exciting to have a young person interested in ceramics!
Thanks Melody!!
judi tavill
April 17, 2008 at 6:43 am //
The closest I had to this was 3rd grade 2 years ago and I was SCARED!
High school is freakishly scary to me!!!!
Good for you… don’t worry about them glazing over…heee… Those are the ones you wouldn’t be worried about anyway and I know exactly what you mean about intruding on the making out…ACK!!!!!
p.s. as usual the work is looking great!
Linda
April 17, 2008 at 7:17 am //
Wow! Those boxes are beautiful – I love all the different sizes. I am looking forward to hearing and seeing all about this series. I hope you keep posting about the boxes so we can see it from beginning to completion. I could see some of your ceramic jewlery in the boxes.
I congratulate you on speaking at a high school. I think students get so much more hearing from someone who is actually working in the profession than reading something in a book. When speaking, I always have a small outline so I can glance at in case I get lost or distracted. Better to have too much to say than not enough.
Making a comment on your blog is different this time? Is this a new format?
Cynthia
April 17, 2008 at 7:22 am //
Thanks Judi – the funny thing about talking to the high school students is that I remember like it was just yesterday what it was like to be that age. So awkward and even though you might like to ask a question or make a comment you didn’t since you didn’t want to appear uncool.
I’m going to be bisque firing these tomorrow, Linda – fingers crossed, they all make it safe and sound. I’ll share either way.
Cynthia
April 17, 2008 at 7:24 am //
Oh, how was posting a comment different? on my end it isn’t – but, I’ve been getting an inordinate amount of spam recently.
LB
April 17, 2008 at 8:16 am //
You’ve been busy! And, you can’t do everything all the time…. For me, well, I’ve been saying Yes Yes Yes! But again, not to everything. LOL. You have to prioritize.
Chae
April 17, 2008 at 9:14 am //
Love the way you’ve overlapped the design – partially on the box then up onto the lid. And love the way you’ve carried the motif up as a handle – Awesome. Sign of a true artist !!!
Public speaking is knee-shakingly scary. Tried it once or twice. The first time i was so scared, not one word would issue from my mouth! The audience felt so sorry for me that they supplied the words and content of “my” speech! The second time, i spoke so fast no one understood a word i said!
So it sounds like you did exceptionally well . . .
Like – exceptionally well !!!
Hugs
Chae
little like sand
April 17, 2008 at 11:14 am //
Great boxes Cynthia. If your talk for career day was anything like your blog it was full of interesting and fun info. Bet they all loved it!
Jean Levert Hood
April 17, 2008 at 4:37 pm //
These are wonderful, Cynthia!
I feel that when you are a high energy person, and excited about what you are doing, then your audience will love it! I’m sure the kids enjoyed it a bunch.
Yes, keeping that balance requires saying “no,” and yes, it is hard to do.
Mary T.
April 17, 2008 at 5:22 pm //
I hope they all turn out after firing. I’m in love with the little one with the leaves on a vine. It is just super charming and wonderful in my eyes.
Don’t get me wrong, they are all neat and cool and desirible, but that one may have to come home to me.
Cynthia
April 18, 2008 at 7:17 am //
I want to say yes, LB
Thanks Chae – in the past, public speaking would have made me pass out. But, for some reason or another, it doesn’t anymore. I’m more confident and I guess I don’t care whether or not people like me. I used to be so afraid of making an ass out of myself, looking good etc. but not anymore ;D
Thanks John – you’re too kind!
Keeping a balance is hard, but I know I need to be more selective now.
Me too, Mary! Those little babies are so small – they can’t even hold anything. Pure self indulgence on my part. I was actually thinking of making little scrolls to tuck inside with positive affirmations, like little wish boxes with good juju.
Lynette
April 18, 2008 at 6:09 pm //
Those boxes are exquisite and you are one busy lady!!
mr. a
April 19, 2008 at 7:57 am //
Gorgeous boxes…
Very interesting website.
Nice work.