Beverly Anderson, Judy Smothers and Rick Harwell
Carolyn Detjen
Judy Smothers is an artist who has been gifted with incredible abilities, causing some of the materials used in art such as paint, metal and clay to bow to her command. She has patience with her students and a gentle smile that catches hold on you to soften your angst, allowing you to give birth to your budding creativity. We are so thankful that she is one of the strong bolts that hold our pottery club framework together.
For the next four weeks, Judy will put on her “Teachers Hat” so that four students; Beverly Anderson, Karen Ellsworth, Rick Harwell and Nancy Reed; will learn how to “Pinch” pots. Slump and Hump, Scratch and Slip, Slab and Coil will be some of the words that will take on new meaning to these wonderful folks. As we get to know each other, friendships will bond and minds will expand with new knowledge, bringing untold joy to each of us.
As I promised you in a previous issue, our Storyteller Dolls are now on display in the Spotlight window. Each doll has a story to tell, promoting the history of the Southwest peoples. They didn’t always use human beings as the characters in the story; they used animals and birds and sea life. A story is told by a grandfather or friend or anyone knowledgeable in giving oral history of the tribe to the listener. We each enjoyed the challenge and had a little party at our awards ceremony.
Jackie Graham was the teacher of our wonderful class using pine needles and pottery and in one case a gourd. We drilled a row of small holes around the bowl’s top opening. When creating a pot for weaving, the holes are placed in the top of the bowl while the clay is leather hard. Since clay shrinks until it is in its final firing, consideration of the size of the hole is very important. It is bisque fired. Next, the glaze is applied and it is placed in its final fire process. Using a strong needle and a thin strip of tendon called sinew, we made small stitches overlapping the top edge. A coil of needles is firmly held at the top edge and the stitching is begun. Frequently, additions of needles are required to keep the coil the same diameter. As the process continues, beads are added. Whether or not you want a handle is of personal preference. This project is a lovely accomplishment, either for yourself or as a gift. We are so blessed to have Jackie teach this process and to have her keep the items for the Women’s Club sale in order and finished on time. It certainly does “take a village” to accomplish major feats in our Happy Potters Club.
The next Spotlight Window will be occupied by the “Friends of the Library” and the “Writers Guild”. There is never a dull moment or a bored person connected with the CATC Building!