The Rough Edges...

"You can refine and finish the soul right out of the clay." 
~Jack Troy

For several months now I have been working on mugs and handles...As in my previous blog I have felt stuck in my work and losing the ability to see things clearly or with new eyes. I now dedicate time to look at things differently and with the vision of an explorer. This has helped me to maintain a healthy and happy balance between the hard work and dedication to perfect a form or function, as well as quench my thirst for new things and refreshing challenges...a desire for adventure!

These were the cups inspired by the wall in my earlier blog...the surface and act of carving were exciting and challenging in their own way. I then attempted carving the feet of the pots so not to lose the angular and loose surface of the walls in these cups. Something new to technique, new to my sense of touch, and new to my eyes and emotions. These cups in all their imperfection, roughness, boldness, and harshness reminded me of something Jack had said during his workshop...my smile grew as I saw the clay in its original life; imperfections and rough edges sometimes contain its very soul. Maybe this concept doesn't only relate to clay...maybe to ourselves as well?