How true! It reminds me of something I read about a japanese master potter saying to one of the american students who was going through some existential crisis:"just work."
It worked apparently,the anecdote is about Thomas Bezanson.
True or not, I frequently think about this,especialy when I feel uninspired.
I just wanted to send you a note. A few months ago I purchased my wife a wheel and a large kiln. she kept asking me to try it. I did not know how. I found your videos and began making things. I have made everything from your videos and am very proud of my work. The local shops have asked me to display them. By following your inspiration and guidance I have found something that I have a natural talent for. I don`t even try it just comes to me. Thank you very much. Hoping to meet you some day! Jim
Erica Dykeman said, "Don't wait for inspiration, when you continue in your craft that inspiration will show in your work."
You have been an inspiration for my work mainly in the area of helping me with my craftmanship. I am making my best pieces now as I have only been potting for the past year or so and the area I rmost needed help in your videos have been most helpful.
Good answer. I keep typing, something good will happen. I edit though, LOL! Potting interests me. I seem to get something from learning about it. One day I will get a wheel and "Give it a go!" as Simon likes to say.
As a creative person by genetics, the zodiac, or birthright, I found myself having difficulties in the beginning w/pottery so like your Swedish viewers, I used much of your work to help me over the hump. In time, I found that like my writing, one day I wasn't merely emulating my favorite authors (potters), I found my own voice, my own sense of style. Words do not justify how much I appreciate being a part of your world and a student even if it's online only. Thx for the lessons in pottery & life
I don't generally have a problem getting inspired, i can find insperation all around me. but since i have watched your video's i have been even more so, i have gone through many boxes of clay these last few days, and can't seem to stop. and yes even if you don't feel like it - when you start with a piece of clay, and it starts spinning on the wheel - the rest of the world goes away and it's all about that piece of clay at that moment, I LOVE IT. can't wait to take your class!!
Simon, Your video 'inspired' me to throw a dozen pots last night, I only had one failure :) All of your videos are an inspiration.
tripanfal 3 years ago
How true! It reminds me of something I read about a japanese master potter saying to one of the american students who was going through some existential crisis:"just work."
It worked apparently,the anecdote is about Thomas Bezanson.
True or not, I frequently think about this,especialy when I feel uninspired.
monkeybss 3 years ago
Excellent pep talk, Simon! The inspiration is there but sometimes we can't see or feel it. Thanks!
pensandcalls 3 years ago
nice one, Simon!
credenza1 3 years ago
I just wanted to send you a note. A few months ago I purchased my wife a wheel and a large kiln. she kept asking me to try it. I did not know how. I found your videos and began making things. I have made everything from your videos and am very proud of my work. The local shops have asked me to display them. By following your inspiration and guidance I have found something that I have a natural talent for. I don`t even try it just comes to me. Thank you very much. Hoping to meet you some day! Jim
Jim51964 3 years ago
Inspiration, wonderful concept!
Erica Dykeman said, "Don't wait for inspiration, when you continue in your craft that inspiration will show in your work."
You have been an inspiration for my work mainly in the area of helping me with my craftmanship. I am making my best pieces now as I have only been potting for the past year or so and the area I rmost needed help in your videos have been most helpful.
Please consider demo of casseroles.
Thanks
Peter
pmcdougald 3 years ago
Good answer. I keep typing, something good will happen. I edit though, LOL! Potting interests me. I seem to get something from learning about it. One day I will get a wheel and "Give it a go!" as Simon likes to say.
chopin65 3 years ago
Thanks Simon, I was having a time getting back
into the swing of things after our trip to Puerto Rico and watching your clips has really
given me the inspiration to get back at the
teadle wheel. It is true just handling the clay brings back all the good ideas. Thanks
again for all you do for us with the clips.
potterybysybil
potterybysybil 3 years ago
I most definitely agree. You just have to dig in sometimes and get muddy and it all starts to flow.
womanofmud 3 years ago
Often inspiration comes when you least expect it. Thanks for your words of inspiration. Just watching your love of pottery inspires me! Great videos.
weeknightingale 3 years ago
As a creative person by genetics, the zodiac, or birthright, I found myself having difficulties in the beginning w/pottery so like your Swedish viewers, I used much of your work to help me over the hump. In time, I found that like my writing, one day I wasn't merely emulating my favorite authors (potters), I found my own voice, my own sense of style. Words do not justify how much I appreciate being a part of your world and a student even if it's online only. Thx for the lessons in pottery & life
PaisleyPlace 3 years ago
I tend to look at inspiration from a holistic approach. I am body and mind. Both must be in balance, then, I can meditate on creativity.
I am a writer, so perhaps it works differently for potters.
Simon I think your videos are great! Thanks for taking time to make and post them.
chopin65 3 years ago
hi chopin65--just curious...are you a musician? drake
dashpots 3 years ago
As a boy I had regular music lessons on piano. Now I just have a guitar.
chopin65 3 years ago
I don't generally have a problem getting inspired, i can find insperation all around me. but since i have watched your video's i have been even more so, i have gone through many boxes of clay these last few days, and can't seem to stop. and yes even if you don't feel like it - when you start with a piece of clay, and it starts spinning on the wheel - the rest of the world goes away and it's all about that piece of clay at that moment, I LOVE IT. can't wait to take your class!!
refinnej41 3 years ago
Thanks for your simple words of wisdom. "Be Inspired" :)
emmasmomma1317 3 years ago