Which brings me to the title of my post. I subscribe to ceramic artist and gallery owner, Charlie Cumming’s newsletter. Yesterday’s letter included a link to a 30 minute video of Pete Pinnell discussing his thoughts on cups. I poured myself a glass of red wine into one of my ginkgo tumblers and sat down at my computer to watch. Initially, I thought, “I don’t have 30 minutes right now,” but I was seduced by what he had to say.
He talked about how most art is meant to be viewed at from a distance because we look with our eyes and need to digest what it is we see. However, with functional pottery the mere act of choosing an artist made cup and bringing it to one’s mouth is in a sense the most intimate act of all normally reserved for lovers. With that in mind, I picked up my cup and fondled it. No giggling please… I thought about how it felt in my hand - how much I was enjoying my cab. In fact, I thought about how much better the wine tasted in my tumbler than if I had grabbed a Target glass mindlessly out of the cupboard. It was a deliberate choice to have a certain experience.
After watching the video, I went back to my cupboard and picked up an anonymous mug from some discount store. Yes, it functions as designed, but it didn’t feel special. I walked out to my studio to look at the mugs that I had made for my SIL that are still in the drying process. I picked each one up to see how it felt in my hand and I wonder which one she will favor.
While these same thoughts were in my head all along - I had never verbalized them as eloquently as Pete did. I know I will think about these ideas when making new work and purchasing artist made pottery in the future.
~Cynthia
Entries (RSS)
These are a lovely, organic shape. They look like they’re made for hands. As for “most art is meant to be viewed at from a distance” — well. I got a lot of serious looks by the security guards at the VAG last week while carefully inspecting Georgia O’Keeffe’s work up close. I just can’t help myself!
You (and that other chap) are spot-on about the intimacy of hand-crafted pieces, whether cups or other items.
And I bet that readers will “think” about which glass/cup/plate they choose from now on.
Fondling to cold wax–definitely covers every base I can think of. I know you didn’t mean it to be but the last paragraph had me laughing pretty heartily.
I get that too, Andrea - the museum guards follow me around.
I know I will, Dinah!
Tittering, Mary - oh my I can be such a hussy.
I really love the shape, too!
Does the wax strength the joint or just prevent them from cracking? Can you glaze afterwards?
Those mugs look sexy…er ummmm I mean Great! *wicked grins*
I feel the same way about cups when I drink tea but I hadn’t thought about it the way you described it. I bet it makes a difference as you create a cup or tumbler.
Thanks Diana -
Janet - the wax slows down the drying process and prevents cracking. I throw the mugs one day, and then pull the handles - so they’re at different drying stages when I attach them. I have had handles that pull away from the mug’s body during drying and then when fired it’s really pronounced.
Did you go fondle you mugs, Heather?
I’m starting to think about it more and more, Jafabrit - both as a maker and a consumer.
These are absolutely wonderful! *HUGS*