News from Earth and Fire -- May 31, 2006
Is it June already?!
David Norton stopped by yesterday morning with his pots. My goodness he brought a lot of pots. It would be nice if I could get them all photographed and online this week, but with everything else I need to get done in preparation for Leesburg's First Friday for June, I'm thinking that might be a bridge too far. I have put a few representative images online to give you an idea of what David's work looks like.
While he was unpacking everything, I asked him how he had gotten bit by the clay bug. He grinned and said he had been interested in a girl in college, and had "followed her" into an art class. Once he saw a pottery demonstration, he was hooked. The romance (with the girl, that is) didn't last. (Funny how "accidental" a lot of things are in life, isn't it?)
What I like about David's work is how "approachable" it is. With some of the pots in the gallery, people comment that they would not feel comfortable actually using them (a sentiment I don't personally understand, but do acknowledge exists). David's pots are not intimidating in that way and seem to "need" to be used in order for them to fulfill their purpose.
For example, why would you use a boring glass or metal pan for your lasagna when you could use this?
And David says he has paid the mortgage for years making these vegetable steamers:
You simply put the steamer, full of vegetables, over a pan of boiling water (see the ridge on the outside that will "hook" on the pan?) and let the steam come up through the vented spout in the middle and take care of business. When your vegetables are cooked, you can serve them right from the steamer. Cool, huh?
David does a nice pitcher, too, I think. Very graceful.
And of course.. the staple of any functional potter -- the humble mug.
David brought so many pots that I'm going to open up the second floor of the gallery to showcase his work properly. And the official ribbon-cutting ceremony (you know.. the one you do to get some free publicity when the local newspapers write a story about you) will be held at 6:00 in front of the gallery.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. I got productive pulling weeds in the backyard. As I reached for one particularly invasive vine, I heard a little voice saying, "Leaves of three, let it be." Since I so rarely get the urge to pull weeds in my backyard, I pushed right through the little voice and yanked.
I'm thinking I'll be in full bloom by Friday.
Hope to see you then!
Have a good week.
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