Beumee Potter Great Potter

Fabulous Functional
　
Thomas G. Turnquist
　
Potter David Beumee of Bolder, Colorado and I have had many discussions about the issue of
functional pottery versus "art" pottery. This subject has been around for decades. Many look down
at functonal as boring, old hat, or having little relivance to the twenty-first century. Having a function
seems to bother some folks. Function, in some artistic circles, is deemed a topic not
to be placed on the "menu".
　
Clay objects can be both functional and artistic. We can have tea bowls that are ordinary and tea
bowls that are so superb they make your heart sing with joy and wonder. Goblets can be very
plain. Goblets can be objects of rare beauty and design. There exists in the world of pottery
and clay a broad spectrum that will runs a very long gamut. Some pieces functional are
less than ojects of wonder and other objects take your breathe away.
　
My hope is that a venue can be found in Denver that will allow the public to see see what
fine functional clay is really about. Such a presentation might open minds and foster
discussion.