Norb Smith (1940-2010)

I had the privilege and good fortune to assist Norb's Monday night pottery classes for probably the past six years. He was such a skilled and patient teacher, and had so much information to share. I was always trying to get him to say just a little bit less on the first night of class, since I knew that the beginning students really just wanted get to the actual clay part of the class. I joked with him, on the last night of our last class together, that next session our goal was for him to finish his demo by 8:00!

The thing is, he had so much to share - too much to fit into a two and a half hour class. Too much to fit into six (or so) years. I would watch him help a student who had been struggling, where I had fumbled trying to help. He knew just how to coax them on to the next level. And he was so pleased when he saw that they got it.

What I will treasure most, though, is the moments we got to spend together talking after class. It was just the two of us then, him listening to my stories or complaints of the day, encouraging me when I expressed my doubts about my value as his assistant. Me, listening to him about the troubles he might be having at work, or about how his sweetie had a grilled cheese sandwich waiting for him at home.

He was such an amazing potter. He would say, that when he started in with pottery again, he gave himself permission to make one thousand bad pots. I don't think I saw a single one. It is so hard to believe that there will be no more Norb Orbs (or Norbicles if you prefer). But more than that, he was one of the kindest and most gentle men I have ever known.

What shall I do with this Norb-shaped hole in my heart?

Pricing Pots

It was the only thing I absolutely had to get done last Sunday. So, here it is, Friday morning and I'm trying to get myself to go do it.

What are my pots worth? I want to carry these boxes up to the sale, and not bring them back home. If I price them too low, will people not value them and not want to buy them anyway? I am sure I am over-analyzing, it is likely I will bring them all back home no matter what I do... blah

Mug loss & clay dreams...

My cousin called me last Wed. and reported a "Mug Loss." As I remember, the mug was chunky and a very novice attempt. I had used a blue stain to create stripes around it as though it would magically transform in the kiln into a Crate & Barrel look-alike. I believe she has another of the same genre. And yes, I'd like to spirit it away and make shards. Hopefully I can replace it with my current style in January when I visit!

On another thread, I woke up the other day with this wonderful vision of a perfect porcelain slab. It was ready for me to touch and alter and create. Gave me this really peaceful feeling. And then I woke up...

Mug Loss

My friend sent me this photo the other day. I had given him this mug years ago. According to his note, he had broken the handle years ago, but continued to use it until he broke the large chunk out of it.

His words:

It was my favorite tea mug for the last few years.
After I broke off the handle, I went more with the Japanese model that if the mug was too hot to hold, the tea was too hot to drink.
Sadly, I broke a chip out of it this week and so I've been thinking about you. (...) though there was a lot of fun to using a handle-off mug for years, it was in no way a negative part of the mug, for me.

I thought it was super cool of him to send me this email and the photo:

1. I love that the mug I made was his favorite for years, even after the handle loss.

2. It is very interesting to see the mug. I vaguely remember making mugs like this - it has been a long time. I don't have any like this in the house. My style has changed.

3. According to Nancy's mug talk the other day, this mug seems like it might have better weir than my current style of mug. Not that I have had any problems with drinking out of them...

What are your thoughts on keeping broken pots? I know we've touched on this before. What do you think about all your pots out in the world? Do you wish you could go break some of your old work (I get that feeling at my Mom's some times). And on and on...

A margarita induced idea

It seemed like a good idea at Rincon Del Sol.

Not that I can keep up with my other blog, or anything else for that matter. But, in case we haven't talked enough about clay at the Lab or hanging out after a day at the Lab, let's talk about it more on-line! Or not. No pressure.