Friday, November 23, 2012

Pottery Graveyard: Holding On or Letting Go?

My son Nathaniel was one of my inspirations for beginning a serious study of ceramics/pottery. He liked the idea of creating a "pottery graveyard" for pots or other creations that simply did not work out and he contributed a couple of his pots (red and blue being one). There is something quite satisfying about breaking the pots on the stones. Not all pieces are smashed. If you look closely you'll see one of my feathers where the glazed did not stick. It's a modest beginning, but I am sure it will grow quickly. For me this is a way to re-purpose and create something interesting out of learning pieces of art.

Tuesday night at open studio a few of us discussed our feelings about our first efforts. I was surprised by how many people shared that they have everything they have ever made. I was even more surprised by people's reaction to my graveyard. I have not objection to people keeping everything. This is just another example of process vs product. It just has to do with the objectives of why people create. I don't need to see my beginning pieces to remind me that I have grown/improved. I can remember when I wanted to hold tight to things that I made. It's probably good that I have been able to let go or there would only be small pathways through my house. Actually I am feeling a need to to get rid of stuff I am not using, to continue my efforts to simplify which is always a struggle for me. How do you balance your needs? Are you a keeper? Has letting go gotten easier for you?

9 comments:

  1. Initially, I kept everything I'd made (aside from those that were gifted or donated). Now, I am editing out the earliest work that no longer brings me a sense of satisfaction or joy. It gets easier - and I have photos of all of it which do not need dusting or physical space.

    Since I'm a scrap quilter, many of those early quilt fabrics continue to live on in later quilts.

    I imagine some folks were horrified at your graveyard (not me).

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    1. Thanks! Glad my graveyard does not horrify you. I love scraps too! My small piece bin only seems to grow. How about you?

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  2. What makes you happy is my position on the subject. Go for being happy!

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  3. My goal this year is to let go, of things in the kitchen cupboard, and in closets... I don't mind the stash with art supplies, but the rest of the house is getting to me.. I get side tracked with project in my studio, which I love and is a great excuse for not painting the walls etc.. It can wait is what I say, or next month and procrastinate.. Time flies,, 10 years in our "new Home".

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    1. Try 20+ years in a house, with a garage and storage shed in the back yard. Can you say "yikes?"

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  4. I have a lot of "junk", (as in one person's junk is another person's treasure). I keep trying to weed it out, BUT I like having just the "right" bit of lace, ribbon, or button for my current project. I like having fabric scraps, bits of yarn and fiber, etc. which I MIGHT use someday. I try to give away finished objects which are "good enough" and easily discard finished objects which are "learning experiences", ie failures as FO's. So I like your pottery graveyard idea.

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Love comments! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.