Reading 2

I think one of the ideas I was most drawn to after reading this extremely philosophical text, appeared in the very beginning as it describes the blurred line offered by fine-ware ceramics. That idea of dabbling both in the functionality and utilitarianism of the pot, as well as in the pure aesthetics of the work. I think to explore that concept, it is also crucial to understand that every art form has evolved over human history from form/aesthetics, technique and process, and of course the contexts associated with the medium and the work produced. In the case of ceramics, we have moved from the basic, functional vessel, to maybe more decorative functional ware. From there we embraced the connection between the person and the rawness of ceramic creations and began to give our pottery context and significance and the evolution continues to where we are today. It really becomes an existential philosophy in that sense- something so long enduring through our history that we continually adapt to meet our cultural needs but also our human and spiritual needs.

So at what point does a pot become more than just a pot? Is it in the process? The context? I believe it simply is in the consciousness of the maker as they nurture the clay to its adulthood where it will exist throughout the tides of time. That eternal quality, I feel is one of the appealing things in pottery. As people we have trouble accepting our mortality and often forget our insignificance in the grand scheme of life. The notion that something we create can last "forever" is somewhat sublime and humbling and I think that quality of the sublime is crucial in the ceramic lifestyle.