I make that same product and your product needs to be...... What???
#1
Posted 09 July 2012 - 12:02 AM
Notice how it doesn't sit well with potters. We can't take it, especially from each other. Many of us get jealous and angry at other's potential successes. We are all vying for the same pottery dollar.
In other venues such as movies, plays, art, books and restaurants the critics are not writing to the ‘makers’ of the ‘works’ but to the public. Not to say the maker’s will not read the reviews it affects their bottom lines; they most certainly do. But I will never ‘personally’ or ‘not personally’ accept a critique from competitors.
#2
Posted 09 July 2012 - 08:28 AM
Lucille Oka, on 09 July 2012 - 01:02 AM, said:
Notice how it doesn't sit well with potters. We can't take it, especially from each other. Many of us get jealous and angry at other's potential successes. We are all vying for the same pottery dollar.
In other venues such as movies, plays, art, books and restaurants the critics are not writing to the ‘makers’ of the ‘works’ but to the public. Not to say the maker’s will not read the reviews it affects their bottom lines; they most certainly do. But I will never ‘personally’ or ‘not personally’ accept a critique from competitors.
Pardon my bluntness but what a bunch of nonsense! It's not only nonsense, it's insulting. I'd wager that Tarantino is more interested in Milchan's critique of Pulp Fiction than he is of Roger Ebert's review even though Ebert's review has more effect on his bottom line. That's all writers groups do is sit around criticizing each others work in great detail. They are doing that to possibly learn something about their own work from people they respect and to help other writers. They have nothing in common with the relationship between Pepsi and Coke. WHEN ONE OF THEM HAS A PUBLISHING SUCCESS THEY THROW A PARTY, NOT A TANTRUM. Potters are the same way. When we fire the only anagama in middle Georgia a dozen or so potters come together to fire it and I don't think a single one of us is hoping our "competition's" pots come out looking bad. Last Spring for the biggest (or maybe second biggest) show in Georgia, one of my "competitor's" kiln broke down. I busted my ass to get her pots fired in my kilns in time for the show, even to the point of leaving a few of my pots out of the show. Recently, I have what may be a big break for me in that a collector who donated an incredibly beautiful collection of 807 pots to the Crocker Museum started a new collection by buying all of my anagama bottles. The first thing I did was introduce him to one of my "competitors" who makes better anagama pots than I do. I'm not bragging about being a nice guy; it's just that those are the examples that spring to mind and I don't know a single potter (except maybe you and, fortunately, I don't really know you) who wouldn't do the same thing for his/her "competition".
Jim
"But it does move," said Galileo under his breath.
#3
Posted 09 July 2012 - 08:42 AM
OffCenter, on 09 July 2012 - 07:28 AM, said:
Lucille Oka, on 09 July 2012 - 01:02 AM, said:
Notice how it doesn't sit well with potters. We can't take it, especially from each other. Many of us get jealous and angry at other's potential successes. We are all vying for the same pottery dollar.
In other venues such as movies, plays, art, books and restaurants the critics are not writing to the ‘makers’ of the ‘works’ but to the public. Not to say the maker’s will not read the reviews it affects their bottom lines; they most certainly do. But I will never ‘personally’ or ‘not personally’ accept a critique from competitors.
Pardon my bluntness but what a bunch of nonsense! It's not only nonsense, it's insulting. I'd wager that Tarantino is more interested in Milchan's critique of Pulp Fiction than he is of Roger Ebert's review even though Ebert's review has more effect on his bottom line. That's all writers groups do is sit around criticizing each others work in great detail. They are doing that to possibly learn something about their own work from people they respect and to help other writers. They have nothing in common with the relationship between Pepsi and Coke. WHEN ONE OF THEM HAS A PUBLISHING SUCCESS THEY THROW A PARTY, NOT A TANTRUM. Potters are the same way. When we fire the only anagama in middle Georgia a dozen or so potters come together to fire it and I don't think a single one of us is hoping our "competition's" pots come out looking bad. Last Spring for the biggest (or maybe second biggest) show in Georgia, one of my "competitor's" kiln broke down. I busted my ass to get her pots fired in my kilns in time for the show, even to the point of leaving a few of my pots out of the show. Recently, I have what may be a big break for me in that a collector who donated an incredibly beautiful collection of 807 pots to the Crocker Museum started a new collection by buying all of my anagama bottles. The first thing I did was introduce him to one of my "competitors" who makes better anagama pots than I do. I'm not bragging about being a nice guy; it's just that those are the examples that spring to mind and I don't know a single potter (except maybe you and, fortunately, I don't really know you) who wouldn't do the same thing for his/her "competition".
Jim
This is why Ceramics people have conferences and huge cooperative experiences. As I have said before ceramics poses many challenges keeping us humble and helpful to one another. That is the purpose of this forum as well.
Group firings are an excellent example of how this works.
Marcia
#4
Posted 09 July 2012 - 09:39 AM
OffCenter, on 09 July 2012 - 08:28 AM, said:
Lucille Oka, on 09 July 2012 - 01:02 AM, said:
Notice how it doesn't sit well with potters. We can't take it, especially from each other. Many of us get jealous and angry at other's potential successes. We are all vying for the same pottery dollar.
In other venues such as movies, plays, art, books and restaurants the critics are not writing to the ‘makers’ of the ‘works’ but to the public. Not to say the maker’s will not read the reviews it affects their bottom lines; they most certainly do. But I will never ‘personally’ or ‘not personally’ accept a critique from competitors.
Pardon my bluntness but what a bunch of nonsense! It's not only nonsense, it's insulting. I'd wager that Tarantino is more interested in Milchan's critique of Pulp Fiction than he is of Roger Ebert's review even though Ebert's review has more effect on his bottom line. That's all writers groups do is sit around criticizing each others work in great detail. They are doing that to possibly learn something about their own work from people they respect and to help other writers. They have nothing in common with the relationship between Pepsi and Coke. WHEN ONE OF THEM HAS A PUBLISHING SUCCESS THEY THROW A PARTY, NOT A TANTRUM. Potters are the same way. When we fire the only anagama in middle Georgia a dozen or so potters come together to fire it and I don't think a single one of us is hoping our "competition's" pots come out looking bad. Last Spring for the biggest (or maybe second biggest) show in Georgia, one of my "competitor's" kiln broke down. I busted my ass to get her pots fired in my kilns in time for the show, even to the point of leaving a few of my pots out of the show. Recently, I have what may be a big break for me in that a collector who donated an incredibly beautiful collection of 807 pots to the Crocker Museum started a new collection by buying all of my anagama bottles. The first thing I did was introduce him to one of my "competitors" who makes better anagama pots than I do. I'm not bragging about being a nice guy; it's just that those are the examples that spring to mind and I don't know a single potter (except maybe you and, fortunately, I don't really know you) who wouldn't do the same thing for his/her "competition".
Jim
Jim,
Funny that you mention your anagama bottles. I love those bottles. I would pay money for those bottles, in a way I am jealous of those bottles. My husband on the other hand would say 'what! you're not paying money for those bottles, you can make them yourself.' You and I both know this is untrue. I could never make your beautiful bottles. Your artistic voice is in your bottles. In my book what I just made was for me true a 'comment'. But a comment none the less. Maybe you think it is Tupperware-ish I certainly hope not. If I disliked your bottles I simple would not mention them, my intention would not be to try to hurt you, why would I want to.
If you wanted a critique on your bottles, I am sure you would ask for one, and you would pick someone whom you respect and whom you thought would give you an honest opinion and someone with the best intentions for you. It only makes sense.
This is in no way directed at you but, I feel on this forum often people are critiqueing without being asked to and / or are making unnecessary rude comments.
T
#5
Posted 09 July 2012 - 10:29 AM
You finally got your point through my thick skull and it has made an impression. Thanks.
Jim
"But it does move," said Galileo under his breath.
#6
Posted 09 July 2012 - 11:05 AM
I have never heard a potter say they wished someone else would fail ... Never been at a pottery show where one potter would put down another's work to their customers.
Are there egos? Heck yes. But are we all to be judged by the lowest common denominator?
Frankly, we are not vying for the same pottery dollar ... That is one of the most prevalent misconceptions about pottery sales. Not only is there a huge variety of methods, glazes, forms, functions ... There is also a wide range of prices and a wide range of buyers with an even wider range of tastes. Let alone the fact that there are more potential buyers than any of us could supply if we worked at full tilt.
Not to accept a critique because you consider all other potters to be competitors seems a bit drastic. I choose whom I ask for critiques. If I want feedback on execution, I ask someone much better than me who has a good eye. If I want feedback on marketability, I ask a couple gallery owners I know who shoot from the hip and no, they don't carry my work because it would not sell in their shops. If I want general feedback I ask blunt people who say what they mean. I don't want nice words ... I want good feedback that I can build on.
Contemporary Fine Colored Porcelain
www.ccpottery.com
"My Artwork would not exist without a thriving global pottery community.
In the isolation of a studio, an artist can begin to feel like an island, but in truth
we are all part of archipelagoes; chains of islands loosely connected by a stream
of information that enhances our Artwork.”
#7
Posted 09 July 2012 - 11:13 AM
Mea
#9
Posted 09 July 2012 - 07:45 PM
It was not always possible for me to have personal feedback from other potters . I lived in a remote area where there weren't any other potters. Unless there was a summer art fair, I usually didn't meet other potters face-to-face. I wish these forums had been available back then. The amount of technical info and personal solutions that have been shared here are a boon to any potter--whether they interface by posting their own comments or not. Lack of contact with people of like minds and hearts can become dibilitating to any creative endeavor. Feedback is essential to moving your art/craft forward, and the more knowledgeable the source, the better.
I'm with the majority who have posted here. Even if the critique is formed around a kernel of jealousy, so what? That doesn't make it invalid, just slightly tainted. Most of us have been around long enough to recognize when someone is pulling your chain. So take the critique and apply it to your work. Does it fit? Is it pointing to something you've doubted yourself? Don't dismiss it out-of-hand, there may be a kernel of truth in it . . . you are the final filter.
Oh, yeah, unless you live in Boise, produce the exact same product, and sell it through the same outlets as mine, I don't think we are vying for the same pottery dollars. The variety is infinite.
#10
Posted 12 July 2012 - 04:32 AM
What I hoped for in my ‘irritant’ post was a bit of self examination for us all. People are fragile more so than we can know; maybe not due only to our art but just in general, and for whatever reason. We never know which nerve we touch.
For those who are beginning potters who want to start selling just like any other product if the public likes it they will buy it if not, well…, just don't become discouraged keep working, keep trying, keep practicing techniques. The work will become better.
To IdahoPotter- as to competition, many potters feel that they are in competition maybe not you and not I but some do. And they respond from that feeling. I hope if they will critique please be aware of this emotion and force yourself to be objective.
To Marcia, everybody likes a party with friends; any kind of party.
I have to go clean up my trimmings now, goodnight everyone.
#11
Posted 12 July 2012 - 06:43 AM
Coke can't criticize Pepsi. Ralph Lauren can't criticize Betsy Johnson; Arnon Milchan can't criticize Quentin Tarantino, why? Because they are in the same businesses the critique cannot be trusted. Ergo potters can't criticize potters.
Notice how it doesn't sit well with potters. We can't take it, especially from each other. Many of us get jealous and angry at other's potential successes. We are all vying for the same pottery dollar.
In other venues such as movies, plays, art, books and restaurants the critics are not writing to the ‘makers’ of the ‘works’ but to the public. Not to say the maker’s will not read the reviews it affects their bottom lines; they most certainly do. But I will never ‘personally’ or ‘not personally’ accept a critique from competitors.
“Fame is a jealous mistress
And will brook no rival.”
Thiruvalluvar, Kural
(He also wrote:
"Make foes of bowmen if you must,
Never of penmen.” )
#12
Posted 12 July 2012 - 09:06 AM
Lucille, I tried to email you a message regarding how great your posts were in the What is it and to ask that you do more. Your forum email is not functional.
I really enjoyed what you started. And my comment about the category being "contemporary" was not aimed at you but to encourage exploration of historical aesthetics which are really important in Ceramics in my view.
Marcia
#13
Posted 16 July 2012 - 07:07 AM
However, I did have the unpleasant experience at a recent art fair where another potter informed me that my work was not even considered pottery because I did not fire to cone 12 in a gas kiln (I fire cone 6 oxidation). He also talked about the "enormous amount of stupid customers and questions" he was getting at the show, and was generally rude and demeaning. Luckily he is the exception rather than the rule!
#16
Posted 16 July 2012 - 12:01 PM
Brandee Ross, on 16 July 2012 - 08:07 AM, said:
However, I did have the unpleasant experience at a recent art fair where another potter informed me that my work was not even considered pottery because I did not fire to cone 12 in a gas kiln (I fire cone 6 oxidation). He also talked about the "enormous amount of stupid customers and questions" he was getting at the show, and was generally rude and demeaning. Luckily he is the exception rather than the rule!
It would make my day if some potter said something like that to me!
Jim
"But it does move," said Galileo under his breath.
#17
Posted 16 July 2012 - 07:08 PM
#18
Posted 17 July 2012 - 09:20 AM
Ooops .... gotta edit since I realize this little lady is using a power tool and could not possibly be "real" enough ... Thanks John!! The second photo would be my operation.
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Contemporary Fine Colored Porcelain
www.ccpottery.com
"My Artwork would not exist without a thriving global pottery community.
In the isolation of a studio, an artist can begin to feel like an island, but in truth
we are all part of archipelagoes; chains of islands loosely connected by a stream
of information that enhances our Artwork.”
#19
Posted 17 July 2012 - 10:02 AM
Chris Campbell, on 17 July 2012 - 10:20 AM, said:
I'm sorry to tell you Chris, but Cone 28 is where it is all happening. And real potters do all of that construction work of studio, wheel, kiln, and shelves without the use of those corrupting influences: power tools. But keep at it..... in 2,000 years you might be getting close to acheiving this goal.
best,
.......................john
Immediate Past President; Potters Council
Professor of Ceramics; New Hampshire Insitute of Art
http://www.JohnBaymore.com
#20
Posted 18 July 2012 - 02:24 AM
Chris, I don't think I'll still be around when you get that kiln up and working, so if you know someone who's been working on their forest for a long time, could you introduce me? I'll never be a "real potter", but I'd sure like to watch! Wait a minute--cone 28? Special clay, right? Am I supposed to dig it, too> Fahgitaboutit!

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