After an evening walk I was out on the porch enjoying a glass of wine (it finally feels like spring!) and I was looking at all the pots that we have displayed out here. Our collection is so large we that we don't have room for it all in the house! I was admiring these two pots that I found in the closet after JZ died. I packed them up and moved them twice. It was until I came to North Carolina that they have been on display. The one thing that I hadn't noticed before is that these have both John's JZ chop and Bill van Gilder's chop. I know that these were made when he and Bill were in business together and I think that John made them, but I am not 100% sure. When I pick them up they feel like John's, but maybe I am a sentimental romantic!
I have quite a few pots that have both of their chop marks. Most are smaller and have more of a Byron Temple influence.
This card has been tucked inside John's kiln log & glaze recipe notebook. I treasure the notebook and refer to it often. The back of the card says the opening reception was on March 24, but there is no year. I am thinking sometime in the 80's. Perhaps John's family or Bill can help me figure out the date.
That's all the news from the back porch, sorry there was no musical accompaniment (lame reference to NPR's Back Porch music).
Beautiful treasures, such history there. What a grat card, I would have to frame that:)
ReplyDeleteThe kiln log and gaze recipe book would be like having John still working with you. I still weigh small amounts of glaze materials on the scales that my grandfather once used for weighing photographic chemicals. He had a glass plate camera. My grandfather died when I was about 9 years old, but he is still there with me in my studio as I make pots.
ReplyDeleteBill Van Guilder is a potter who's work I have often admired (although sadly only from photos). I think there is a photo of a kiln of his in the Olsen Kiln book??
Tracey, I think I enjoy the postcard tucked inside the notebook. I just hope I don't lose it! I have another one that is fun, and when I get my hands on it i'll post that one too.
ReplyDeletePeter, every time i use that notebook to mix a glaze I feel like he is right there measuring it out with me. It's comforting to have loved ones from the past guide us through life.
good to hear about the history from your back porch and your memories of John.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure! Love your back porch! I have old notebooks of glazes from an old potter who ran Poppy Pottery somewhere around Zanesville, Ohio. His notes are just the best. Last week I was going through my old notebook and found several sheets of glazes from Archie Pike...... Nice.
ReplyDeleteOHhhhh, JZ! People wish they were immortal. Maybe poets and potters ARE :)
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me how I find a deep calm pleasure in looking at and using things from those loved ones who are gone. A touch brings remembrance!
ReplyDeleteIn Monday's blog I made a statement about having coffee with our friends as we choose a cup mad by their hands, this adds a whole new meaning to that thought.
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