I am a traveler. In every country visited, I observe indigenous people creating their interpretive masks to represent their spirits.Thus I call one of my mask series " Spirit Seekers".
I start with the clay, and have a rough idea of what I want to create.But I do let the spirit of the clay direct where I am going.Often it has an element of surprise. Then I must glaze and fire the piece.Finally, I take it out of the kiln and do another primitive firing to get that dark and smokey look that I like.Only then do I decorate with yarn, feathers, and whatever else it dictates. I guess there is a bit of my spirit in each of my creations. .
Masks are a way to be secretive about identity. It does not even have to be a real one. Haven't here been times when we all hide behind a smile, a polite phrase even as simple as "how are you?". What would we do if people actually answered with their truth, especially if it is a painful one? Gives me something to think about when I go forth into this world.
Any thoughts from my readers?
Masks are so intriguing, as they serve the purpose of hiding behind as well as portraying ourselves as we would like to be seen. Working with clay and letting it speak to you means that pottery is a form of intentional listening. What a world you create!
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