When a sophisticate
object meets a story, it seems that the object becomes a legend regardless of
its genre; craft or fine art. More tragic or bizarre the story, more profound
it shakes the soul as well as every nerve. It seems unclear whether the story
is attached by critics or connoisseurs later or born in the process of object making.
Either way, the story could increase the market value of the object. Artists should
be the center of the stories. Critics and art historians could lead the way how
the stories are consumed and transformed into the legend. The history how the
modern painting builds the wealth, fame or power could be a good benchmark. The
problem is if ceramists and potters are ready for the responsibility to be the
legend. I understand that William Murray, a Zen Buddhist himself, tried to bear
the weight by creating the myth of Japanese tea ceremony in western world and
by charging high prices for his pots, while Bernard Leach, with a good grasp of
the reality, tried to manipulate the limits where the myth existed.
To me, the Otis
group is more about sculpture focusing on clay material with a touch of firing
process. Does it mean that the strategy the Otis group had taken is the way to
survive in high pricing market? Then, should ceramics become sculpture or any
state of art trend? I agree to Clark’s saying “the fine arts market is not for
everybody...most ceramist do not fit…only particular artists will survive in
this world.” However, I believe it doesn’t mean an object from craft cannot be
the legend with million dollar value. I believe the breathtaking story is the
major factor to differentiate the object from the cheap and fancy stoneware and
bone china at wholesale retail stores.
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