Last night I made a bird bath in my pottery class that is about a foot in diameter. This is my second clay class I have taken, and I feel like it won't be my last. Cup sets have been my focus for the last month or so, but last night I grabbed as much clay as I could to create something I never have before. I connected with the clay in a way I never had. I understood how it works, how to move it, how to build different ways. My professor showed me tips on how to strengthen the piece. I believe when I glaze it I am going to write the Japanese symbol for patience in the middle. The idea came to me last night in bed when I thought of a past drawing I did(2002?) in marker and ink of a woman reaching for a bonsai tree. She is not realizing the actual scene is happening outside in reality, because she is so entwined in her thoughts of the representation. It is about being unaware of what is available to you in life, and settling for something that is an illusion. On the wall is a picture with the Japanese symbol "patience" or at least the closest thing my friend could translate it to. Its important to be patient with yourself, which I haven't been lately.I have been reading about artists that take risks with their art. They aren't afraid to take risks and create.
