SIMON LEACH -'The ups & downs of throwing'

[h0munculu5]

ive definetly had these days..some i could throw a reallly amazing vase that i was proud of in such a short amount of time..other days id be so sad that the clay wasnt going my way...id be throwing and just smash the top of it and throw it into a bucket to sit...

[karissa75]

this after a very frustrating day....4th try at asimple pot and couldn't get it...is very good to hear, renewed energy!!!Thanks!!!!love your work Simon!

[castlekirk1]

found this at exactly the right time.. thanks so much :0)

[castlekirk1]

had a disappointing day in the pottery today.. thought i'd cheer myself up with some of your videos, found this one and it felt like you were talking directlt to me!!.. thanks so much, this has made such a difference.. :0)

[PsychicDavidJames]

Very encouraging Simon, thanks for that.

[randydean888]

Mr. Leach, I began to learn the art of throwing about a month ago. I spent 10 hours throwing today and had a fantastic day of learning. Thank you for your encouraging words that will serve as an inspiration on my bad days. Thanks again!

[BigBranchMiniRanch]

Simon,

Thanks so much for this and all your videos. I had not thrown anything in 5 years (too busy raising 2 beautiful children and no $ for pottery), but recently acquired a used electric wheel. It was so very intimidating to sit down in front of that first lump of clay. But, thanks to your videos, I am on an "up"!

Thanks again for your demos and encouragement.

[bliek39]

I needed this...;-)

[asep51]

This was a very encouraging clip. You think you are the only one going down some times. You are very generous to share this with us. It is good to understand that this happens to every one, even you. Thank you

[plightfoot42]

You are a very thoughtful person as well as being very helpful and encouraging to potters.

I am retired and started classes in 2007. I can only say I love it and wish I had started years ago. I am lousy on the wheel but love handbuilding so that is what I concentrate on.

Thanks for all your great videos.

[bmortinsen]

The words feel inadequate to express my gratitude for all you've done & continue to do with sharing your knowledge, your triumphs, your learning experiences ... but I"ll say them anyway - thank you.

Betsy

[rubberstampman]

Simon,

As said in "The Last Samurai", "Too Many Minds". I am often of too many minds and I so agree with you that practice, focus, and persistence win the day. Very nice of you to give this kind of advice as so few potters talk about the down side.

Regards,

Marc from LV

[littleeggcup]

I needed to hear that.  I'm a 50 year old beginner. But if I don't start now, well, I never will. It was good to hear that no matter how long you throw, there will be good and bad days.

[PaisleyPlace]

Thanks for the words of encouragement and inspiration. I've actually thrown my share of clay these last few weeks at something other than the pottery wheel's bat myself out of frustration & fear as DH fought the 2 heart attacks, the stroke, life-support, & his crazy sugar levels relating to his diabetes. I find it almost impossible to separate my heart & my brain when throwing pottery, which spoils the session but I'm still trying. Still hunting grants w/friends helping out too. Crossing fingers

[ClayDust]

Thanks Simon . Lets hope them 0s are just growing pains.

[Alyzabeth01]

Excellent video:) Thank you for the encouragement.

[claymoma]

Simon, I know what it's like to have a perfectionist standing over my shoulder watching every move I make, it damn difficult!!!! Without your gentle understanding and encouragement I would have stopped along time ago. Thank you for offering yourself to us, it's been a joyous ride and YES, I'll keep practicing!!!

Warm regards from Debbie in Florida

P.S..... Love to "Mum"

[kruklena]

Those words felt so good to hear. Thanks Simon!

[tita27566]

Oh Simon:

Thanks so much! you are so, so right!

;o)

[DirtKickerStudio]

My most difficult down came after my pottery sale. It was very difficult to have people critique my work or leave without buying anything :( It's a humiliating experience packing up unsold pottery. It's tough to go back to the studio the next day and feel good about throwing pots.

[pensandcalls]

yes, DirtKicker, rejection sucks!!!!

[kroraven]

Very true;-) I've got a lot to go, but I will perceiver, with your help! Thanks so much ~ Have a great day ~ Karen CT

[pensandcalls]

I, like the rest, wonder if you made the video for ME as I am having a down day or two and can easily find an excuse to do something else. Finding that the local studios are not interested in selling smaller items has made me step back and reassess what I am doing. Then I think - 'hey, I'm doing this because I enjoy it! So what if I have to build another house to hold everything! ha ha'. Anyway, thanks to you,, I'm heading down to the workshop to throw some Leach mugs.

T

[ClayThrower]

This video should be featured. Great. That chart is so true of my progress as well, I hit a plateau of skill level and then suddenly jump up a level and can throw better...then i plateau off again for a bit. That could be overlayed with your up and down chart. Those off days are just no fun at all, nice to hear I'm not alone in those. Some days I throw worse than I did a year ago.

[quickhalfpint]

I can totally understand the frustration of also working for one's parent. I found what I heard as criticism from the parent, the same was heard as instruction from a stranger. Great Topic as those of us at our Guild were having the same conversation of some days the clay doesn't want to play. Decided those days it's best to go do those chores you've been putting off!!

Still practicing in Georgia USA -- Robin

[darkdragon029]

Yes, Simon, I completely understand about the up days and the down days while working as a potter myself. From this video, it reminds me that, yes, that the bad days are just as normal as the good days in the studio. So, I just keep pushing myself onwards and try to let the bad days to humor me.

Thanks for the video, Simon.

[rapidac]

Good clip Simon. Absolutely the normal progression. Our artistic expectations continue to be challenged. The better our skills become, the more we expect. The downs teach us lessons. In painting for example, it's always a good idea to hang on to projects that didn't come out well. Look back at them. We can do the same with pots...wall thickness, glaze effects, what was successful, what wasn't.

[MamereClaire]

Thank you, I did need that talk. A few days ago 3 casseroles blew up in the bisq. firing. I have indeed racked my brain with whys rather than just carefully throwing 3 more casserols. Claire