THE IPOD SYNDROME

THE IPOD SYNDROME
　
　
I have been buying, selling, and writing aout Amican studio pottery
since 1978. I have observed trends and taste changes fairly closely
over this interesting period. I have traveled from coast to coast
meeting clay giants such as the Heinos, Harrison McIntosh, Harding Black, and
Kurt Wild. Always I was sensing what collectors or clay dealers are involved in
at the moment. One goal is to peruse what is selling and who was
collecting. I am facinated by the reasons something sells or or is left upon
a dusrty shelf.

I enjoy all modes of clay, buying abstract, functional, and all in between.
Clay is a world of endless possibilities. It has been a part of mankind
since the time of Allie Oop. Clay has been a part in every living soul on
this shrinking planet. The first question for potters is simply this: what
portion of John Q Public wants handmade clay-abstract or functional?
Second, what portion of the man on the street has even a modicum
of knowledge of any form of art? Most Americans do not know the
difference between art Deco and Art Carney.
　
An aspect of successful pottery sales is what I call the deaded
"ipod" enemy". How can we turn the ipod group onto ceramic art
or any other form of art? How do we foster an interest in art
in general? How do we open eyes and souls? This question
is not easy to divine. There may be hope. Hope based upon
possible efforts to bring art and design to the public with a focus
on American youth. Parents need to take their children to
craft shows, museums, and the theatre. Hopefully, exposure
will negate the anti art culture theme that is seen and
promoted by participants in videos and television. Give
our American youth options. Artists of all mediams need
to spread the provebial word that very unique and special
objects must be a part of a civil society. We must find
the funding to oprn the doors of creativity in our schools.
Art is not a useless endeaver, art is a needed light
that must be shown..
　
Will are children live in a world empty of hand made
creations or a world saturated by sameness and and
banality