Reading #4

Esther Schwepker
Reading Response #4

I really enjoyed reading this excerpt from Craftsmen. I never thought about history in terms of metamorphosis, where a just a small brick had such huge impact in history to create arches or creating cement by adding volcanic ash. These little details I feel like I over simplify or overlook in it's importance to the bigger picture. This bigger picture being the constant cycle of innovation in which we find new ways to build, create, or use certain things. Looking at Greek pottery, they developed methods to create a specific look. How they made the vessels, applied the slip, added sawdust during the firing and other steps show the discovery but also the understanding of what is happening to the clay's surface. This innovation and consistency reminds me of the decisions I make in pottery or art without thinking about it. The decisions I make because of the aesthetics as well as the trial and errors to get there. When the author touches on the maker's mark, I think about my own signature that I apply to my work. Through his explanation, the maker's mark is all about the decisions that the maker makes...the shape of a vessel or the specific imagery displayed or the fingerprints that are left behind. The clues that taunt the viewer saying "I exist." This little description makes me wonder what I give to the viewer. What I intend for the to see but also what I don't intend for them to see. I feel that this article has challenge me to think  about the development of my ideas and how I perceive references in my work; to focus more on the metamorphosis, presence, and anthropomorphism. But also it has helped me to think of the questions I need to address when reflecting upon my work. What attitude do I want to give? Where does it reflect me as the maker? Does that distract from the object? How has this object developed and from where?