I once put a plate which was still warm from the kiln up on the showroom wall and it sold the same day. I liked the plate but could not imagine that someone else would like it enough to buy it, and so quickly, and I asked them what they liked about it.
Their answer surprised me even more than the rapid purchase. They explained that the raven was the symbol of St Benedict, and St Anthony, not to mention the prophet Elija, and that having recently lost a child, they found comfort in that connection. I of course was not thinking of any saints or prophets when I made the plate, but that was the maning it had for them.
We cannot see with others’ eyes, only our own. I make judgements about our work when it comes from the kiln according to my own preferences and intentions. Only I know these intentions and prejudices, but they form the basis of my judgement about any pot we have made. Other people’s judgements and valuations are made from their angle.
Kerry and I were once ready to take a hammer to much of a lustre firing, we were so disappointed in the results. A friend happened to come by and wisely told us to wait. She told us to put the pots away and come back to look at them later. Then we would see they had their own merits whatever we had intended. How right she was!
Hamada Shogi, the renowned Japanese potter, said in his book- I used to worry about my work- whether I should have done this or that, but now at the age of 80, I just make it.
A consummation devoutly to be wished.