To sign or not to sign – that is the question…
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to honor and cherish
the philosophy behind Mingei,
Or to sign and release one’s work
Into the wild for market or vanity’s sake.
Excuse the bastardization of Shakespeare‘s Hamlet, but his famous prose is exactly what popped into my mind after writing this post’s title. To be honest, I really don’t give much thought to signing my work and am responding to Keith’s post. I started signing my pots back in college ceramics 101 on the request of my professor as a way of keeping track of my beginning ceramic doorstops from those of my classmates. I’ve signed my name on my pots ever since, even though I don’t work in a communal studio anymore. I’m not sure that it adds value to my pot or not since most of the world doesn’t recognize my name. And, it’s not for vanity’s sake either – maybe it’s just a western thing. Isn’t everything signed in our culture – good, bad and neutral? Heck, I make the kids in my clay classes sign their work too – mostly so that there is no confusion as to who made something when it comes time to glaze and/or take their work home.
I have long admired the use of chops (see definition #3) or signature stamps and have been meaning to make one for myself for quite some time. A couple of nights ago, I actually dreamed about making a chop and when I woke up, designed one based on my dream. Weird when that happens, don’t you think?
In the past, I have signed my full name or just my initials, and have recently started stamping my initials into heavily textured work when I find that there isn’t enough room for a full signature.
Mini letter stamps
Stamped initials on side of mug under the handle
My chop is based on a lotus flower and after looking at the meaning behind the symbol common to many different cultures and religions, it seems to fit. The lotus is a symbol of summer, creativity, faithfulness, purity amid adversity and feminine genius. Okay – maybe I’m identifying with creativity and faithfulness more than purity and genius. 
I know when to eat a piece of humble pie.
Original Lotus Chop with Initials drawn on my Wacom Tablet
At any rate, the dream was pretty powerful and as clear to me as if I had been awake. I made a first attempt at a chop, but it needs some serious work. I have 2 coils setting up right now that I plan to refine into chops today. It’s tricky because it’s such a small surface area – less than 1/2″ didn’t allow enough room for my design.
Chop #1
Resulting impression
Yesterday, I even had the kids in my clay class make their own chops. They were a little confused by the concept, but nonetheless, they powered through. I’ll share their chops another day.
Question for you: Do you sign your creative work and why?
~Cynthia
P.S. My husband was jealous of my cartoon self, so I made one for him which he is currently sporting on Facebook.
My husband, Ron
