Children are like Arrows

Me speaking to a group of 5th graders from a local public school in Johnson City at the Reece Museum last week about my pottery.

The other side of this pitcher pictures a quiver full of arrows. This piece is in response to the Scripture- Psalm 127:4-5:

4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

are the sons born in one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame

when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Like a lot of Scripture, this can be interpreted in different ways, but it is powerful to me because it is such a lucid analogy. Also, if you take another step, you could imagine filling your quiver with different sorts of things like being prepared, taking care of business, being on time, having positive words, having initiative, being dependable, etc.

As long as you don't fill your quiver with negative things, then blessed is the man whose quiver is full!

Every Generation Needs a Revolution

Yesterday marked the 235th anniversary of Patrick Henry's famous speech to the Virginia state legislators. "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

Canked Promo Poster 5/6

pots

The Ninefruit Bowls

In a piece I call the Ninefruit Bowls (picture above) I feel the subject is easily identified. On nine small fruit-sized bowls I drew nine unique fruits. The bowls are symbols of gifts that God has given to all people. In Scripture, Galatians 5:22 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." This is an example of how my drawings can be allegorical. They remind me to eat an apple and to do a good turn daily. These small bowls are the most utilitarian forms I make, they stack nicely in the cupboard. They are "blue-collar" pots that were made to serve.

Featured Piece

Since Newfangled is here, I have decided to do a mini-series of posts explaining select pieces from the show.

The first piece featured is a Fishin' Tea set (pictured above).

This is a common tea set, comprised of a teapot and corresponding teacups. The concept for this piece is unlikely, and when people see it they usually chuckle. Pictured on the teapot is a large-mouth bass and on the teacups are a texas rig synthetic worm bait and a common rattletrap bait. It is a set... it is catchy (pun intended) and most people leave it at that, when they get the riddle and pass by.

However, my idea for this piece goes a little further. Tanner Young once said "being on the lake is a religious experience." The connection Tanner has with fishing and the lake is undeniable. Aside from it being a great quote, I think it resonates with anyone who is passionate about anything. The rich history of tea and how it is drunk lends itself to ceremony, sharing with friends, quiet time, etc. and can be regarded as a religious experience. When a couple of buddies go fishing every weekend for 25 years, is that not ceremony?

Finally, it seems to me that the typical beverage of choice of a fisherman is probably not hot tea, and he probably wouldn't drink it out of a handmade teapot. He would most likely choose coffee, beer, soda, or iced sweet tea - anything but hot tea!

Installing Newfangled Exhibit

The Rain Dogs showed up for some great help.