SOLITUDE

For a number of years now, I have worked entirely alone, no partner, no distraction other than the temptation of daily distractions. After leaving CSU, I had a partner for a time and then moved on to my own studio. I have worked and taught at several co-ops and at Wesleyan Potters (CT), but all that time, I have mostly been alone from morning to evening. “I have a great deal of company in the house, especially in the morning when nobody calls”, a quote by Thoreau is always in the back of my mind. My days are ordered and I am able to work as I may.

Next to my computer is a copy of a book I acquired at the Kawai Kanjiro Kinenkan entitled, WE DO NOT WORK ALONE by Yoshiko Uchida. The book published some of the thoughts of Kawai Kanjiro on the spiritual nature of art and the creative spirit. His thoughts are deceptively simple regarding how as a craftsman, an artist, merchant or a farmer, they are all “moved” by a higher power. I have thought about this for a great number of years and realize that, as a potter, I also do not work alone. Rather I work on the shoulders of those who have gone before me, those who are working now across the world and hopefully with those that will come after me. I am never alone in my studio, I have a great many to thank for this……………

“What a wonderful Now, It is surely eternity.” Kawai Kanjiro

“Time is not a line, but a series of Now-points.” Taisen Deshimaru (1914-1982)