I'm in a bit of a "dither" about what I should show you next,
especially as something long awaited and eagerly anticipated arrived this morning from America and I want to show that but I'm not sure that it will work if I "mix & match" different types of work so I have decided to go with what I had intended, especially as this will take four pictures to show.
It is a very large 'Harvest Jug' by the Devonshire potter Doug Fitch.
It is strange that Doug is someone who seems addicted to modern day technology but when it
comes to his art he is firmly rooted in the past.
Making terracotta ceramics in the style of the old country potters.
He is a strange man, in as much as he seems to worry and be unsure about his own work but is always first to spot the talent of others and to promote them and their work.
I somehow think that with his own pots they will never be good enough for him,
but the next one he makes might be.
So he always strives to achieve perfection.
It is funny to think that this country potter who works from a small workshop hidden away in a remote part of Devon
[and let's be realistic all of Devon is remote if you live near London]
is known of and admired around the world.
This offering by Doug is a little bit of a departure from his "normal" work as he didn't decorate the jug himself.
He conceived it, threw it in two parts, dipped it in slip [white clay] the handed it to a good friend of his. Andrew Grundon.
[Like I say he is ready to promote the talent of others].
Not exactly another potter as Andrew is a Sign writer.
Well at least I think that is the official description for his amazing works of art.
Treating the [then] white pot as a blank canvas he drew and scratched through the surface
of the slip to reveal the red clay beneath.
This offers a very simple explanation to what is incredibly skillful, or it certainly is in the case of this jug.
He has chosen a section of the story that is perhaps less known and certainly not an
immediate choice. For this I like it even more as he obviously studied or knows the poem well.
I have tried to photograph it but nothing gave an impression of how it really looks, so I have shown four different aspects so that you can gain an understanding of how it is to look at and hold.
The jug is large, strong and well crafted, coupled with the incredible decoration it really is an object of great beauty.
What is strange is that although it is less than a week old it really does look ancient.
Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThat is one magnificent jug. However modest Doug may be, we all know how good he is.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it look wonderful! It's a treat is that jug. What a good pairing.
ReplyDeleteI like your words to go with it too John, I think they are very true. Shusshhh don't tell him though but I think Doug's pots are wonderful warm and honest.
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It is a great pot, a bit like Doug himself, not that old but looks ancient. but also great to be around. Some lucky customer is going to have the pleasure of living with that great work of art. Lucky Them.
ReplyDeleteI think that you summed it up Paul.
ReplyDeleteHe does have his good days, but then so do you.
Hannah, I think that you mean "the pots are like the man".
As for Hollis & Dan I'm trying to decide who most deserves it as a gift.
Hhhhhmmmm, no on second thoughts it's not leaving here without a fight.
Blimey, I might even have to part with cash for it.
Well I think you are right again John, the pots are very much like the man.
ReplyDelete