Mea (GEP) asked the following a few weeks back. . . . Describe a day from your ceramics life that left you thinking "this was a really good day."
So many times, I would have good days when teaching. . . . opening up a new glaze load of student pots, perusing their surfaces, the detail of the textures and the solid craftsmanship that the students would put into them with grueling work overseen by me looking over their shoulders urging them on. All came to fruition when opening up that kiln early in the morning before anyone else was there, laying them out on the table so that I could see them as a grouping to sigh. . . . this was what it was all about. Such a good day!
Now, my good days amount to being able to throw 60 mugs in a morning, and trim them the next day then add handles. To be able to make the funeral jar with the inner and outer lids so that they fit, and come out of the kiln with not cracks, and beautiful glaze surface that allows the details of the shaping texture to show through. These make my day, and yes, I still get chills when opening a new kiln load and finding so many beautiful surfaces and colors that enhance the form. Yeah. . . good days all.
best,
Pres