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Clay: Amenable to Emotion
| Article
# : |
15300 |
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Section : |
LIFE
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| Issue
Date : |
8 / 1989 |
1,941 Words |
| Author
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Jennifer Harper
Jennifer Harper is a features writer for the Washington Times. |
It is the beginning of a long relationship.
The potter's fingers are poised in pale, powerful curves above a dark shape. An inert shape. It is a hunk of clay, smelling of the underground--of earth and cold and damp roots.
The fingers descend. They knead, pinch, and slap. They persuade and cajole. They caress. Warmed by human heat and insistent motion, the clay begins to change. No longer a dull lump, it has become amenable. Eager.
The potter stands back, hands on hips, fingers grainy and smudged. There are decisions to be made about this relationship. It can go any number of directions.
Rolled flat and sliced with taut wires, the clay becomes thick slabs, to be mitered into a handsome jar. Rolled between the palms into lengthy snakes, the clay can be coiled upward into remarkable shapes. Or it can be hand built into wee characters, or a jewel box, perhaps.
Or the potter may choose to gather the clay up, heft its weight once more, and then place it on the wheel. Turned in its own little orbit, the clay is literally thrown by gravity and patient prods into graceful cups and pitchers.
Then again, the potter may toss the clay back in the bin, disgusted.
A very passionate
... (1917 of 10801 Characters)
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