Post #301318 by teaKEY on Mon, Apr 23, 2007 5:57 PM

"Some of the things you say/assume come off as pompous even if that's not the intent. Other things that you think are some kind of little known knowledge like hand building mugs, are actually well known techniques to anyone who has ever taken a summer pottery intro. course at the YMCA/high school etc.--ie. roll clay flat, make tube around a cylinder or by hand add circle of clay for bottom, smooth, etc... There is a large segment of the population that's taken an intro level pottery course so... coils, pinch pots, etc... not really very hush-hush."

You are right, everyone taking a couple clay courses probably could make a cup. I wish I was lucky enough to take a clay course in high school or YMCA. I did have finger-painting in pre-school there. Those were the days. I could say that most, yes, most people have picked up a paint brush and painted, but most people aren't considered painters/artist. That is a true statement in my eyes. Maybe you have made a ceramic cup, but have you made a tiki mug? And have you made a mug like mine, or my father's? I can't name more than 10 people that have made a hand-built tiki mug, that I have seen. That's 10 people that could be all over the world. 10 people is not
"anyone who has ever taken a summer pottery intro". There is a different too in a painting from when you were five years old and a painting from a working painter. Hopefully a big difference.

"I think some of your mugs are fantastic, others are just okay. When you describe your work as priceless I know it's priceless to you, but to say that makes you sound ego-maniacal. When an artist stops being precious about their own work that is a definite sign that they have grown as an artist. Talking yourself up too much is never recommended. Being confident in yourself is recommended".

I say it is priceless when by definition, its not for sale. Usually a great hand made mug is special and if you don't have to sell it, you don't. I know, when I make something, its a part of me, and I don't necessarily want to give that away.

"When you are an amateur it's also not recommended to critique people who are already a proven success in that field. You are burning bridges you haven't even got to yet.'

I have only said good things about the artists that I collect. I collect all artist's production mugs.

"I think your work is hard to adjust to as a tiki mug has traditionally been made very symmetrically. It would add symmetry to your pieces if you built them around a wheel piece or if u used a mold to obtain a true cylinder to add/subtract from."

A true cylinder would not be hand made in most cases, or it wouldn't work in the application I'm working in. Did you see the Green Monkey mug. Where would symmetry or a cylinder belong in that. Its a tiki mug, but its art as well.

*"I also think that your paintings show alot more promise than your mugs, you have REALLY good painting skills for a beginner and good painting skillz for anyone. I really like your paintings."

Thanks that you like my paintings, Munch, Soto, and Brophy would be happy to hear.

"I hope this isn't taken the wrong way".

I guess I'm just misunderstood, but then again the best are.