by Joseph
When I started pottery back in the late seventies, I was very lucky to have studied with Kayo O'Young for a year in his studio on King St. in Toronto. By 1982 I had established my own studio and a gas kiln on my parents farm in Orangeville. I did a lot of craft shows and met many wonderful craftspeople who encouraged and helped me out more than I can ever repay.
One was a wonderful potter named Doug from Perth ,Ont. He came by my booth at the spring One Of A Kind show and while admiring my work, he then asked me ‘How long have you been doing pottery?’ I proudly replied 2-3 years full time. He then made a comment that I totally misunderstood and missed the real meaning behind it. He said “It takes a lifetime to get good at throwing on the wheel.”
Years of practice, doing the same things 40 years later
My own special stamps for my business cards. Simple but something unique from myself
At the time, I really perceived it as a technical skill, and replied that some potters were slow or lazy to put the work into it. Doug didn't like my answer, thought I was a show off and walked away.
This encounter has stayed with me for over 40 years. I have thought about it, talked to many other potters, and read a great deal on the subject. The basic concept is very similar to some Japanese ideas on art and craft They have a way of honouring someone who has achieved a remarkable level of mastery in their field. They are recognized as “National Living Treasures.” This really takes a lifetime to achieve, not only the technical skills, but more importantly, their true nature and life experience comes through and lives in their work.
Even though they have changed, at the core level, a mug is still a mug
In my early days I had a great start by studying with Kayo, but I needed many more years to grow up and mature as an artist and potter. I've changed styles many times, firing in electric, gas and now a wood kiln, changed studios three times, Orangeville, Caledon, and now in Simcoe. I got married and divorced, have three wonderful kids who are my pride and joy. I've also worked with special young offenders who have taught me many lessons about life and art.
It's been over forty years now that I've been a potter, and my life has grown and changed over these years. I'm still doing pottery, trying to do better work, be humble and grateful for the incredible luck I've had to work at something I love. I consider myself a good beginner, and need many more years to practice my craft and to grow up.
