Very often the conversation with clay is one that is on-going...even as our hands are fast at work thinking we are creating a "certain something" it often turns out to be a "certain something else". I have often seen my work with clay and the nature of it as a metaphor for life...there are many stages to go through before we reach "success" and often we have to be prepared for the cracks and disappointments that can arise both in the kiln and in life, alike. Sometimes the key is to stay flexible and purely imaginative. Being willing to stay open to surprise will sometimes produce a unique delight.
This piece was one I had intended to be "something". Initially as I sat at my wheel looking at the beginning stage of what I deemed a disappointment, a conversation started to happen or rather a few simple words - "Moroccan Carnivale". The piece went from looking like an un-balanced and boring genie bottle to something much more lively - the fish going round and round concealing the "evil eye" to ward off dangers and dark spirits, the rings for a circus like gaiety. I imagine I am influenced by potters who potted a thousand years before me...the conversation and spirit of the ancient art of clay yet again passed through my hands and in the end I too was surprised.
