HSPD

Not being of Irish descent or at least not that I know of, I am not 100% sure how close this chawan comes to the emerald green of Ireland, but it will have to do for today. This rich Oribe chawan is by Yamada Kazu and has a variety of colors and tones throughout the glaze including a rather copper rich, hazy moon-pool to finish off the inside of the mikomi and areas of such intense green they only come to life under direct light appearing like mysterious emeralds punctuated about the surface. I handled and photographed this chawan some time ago but I remember that it felt cool and comfortable in the hand and changed appearances as the light played across the pot. The overall feel to the piece was somewhat contemporary but it is from a time long since past that Yamada sought his influences and infused his modern bowl with a sense of now and then. I am a huge fan of Oribe when the clay can be seen through the transparent or translucent surface and where each and every mark add to the narrative that is the Oribe tradition.

And for St. Patrick's day, one of The Pogues finest;

NOT MUCH TO DO WITH POTTERY, BUT ESSENTIAL

I have mentioned before that music is an essential part of making and dealing with pottery in my studio. Yesterday I grabbed a handful of cds on my way into the studio and among the group is a compilation cd of great modern Irish music, all uptempo and great to get motivated. On the cd is one of the greatest collaborations ever, THE IRISH ROVER covered by the Dubliners with the late, great Ronnie Drew and The Pogues fronted by the infamous Shane McGowan, oft times described as Gin in 3-dimensional form.


As the song comes on, it is just envigorating and transcendant in its story telling and I hit the repeat button on the player and listen to it over and over. I forget what I was doing in the studio and am basically transfixed by the lyrics, cadence and tempo of the tune. As I have said before, if I am in the studio, the music is certainly the soundtrack of my work.  I hope you will enjoy this as well;