Loving our own work

Isn’t this a sweet little vase? Believe it or not, the potter that made it wasn’t over the moon about it when it came out of a wood firing the Fired Up group did some years back at Gordon Hutchens. Often we have a predetermined vision of what we are hoping for when we put our work in the kiln and that, in my opinion, colours our judgment. I bet if the potter saw this pot now, years later, they would immediately see the beauty in it. I have very few pieces by other potters in my house, partially because of space but really it’s because I learn more about my work the longer I live with it, and I’m my own greatest fan.

Recently I had a discussion with another artist about taking pride in our work and how we are conditioned not to blow our own horn. When did it become a sin to speak highly of something we have done or created? I was once called arrogant in an email exchange where a man was inquiring about a piece and the price. In my reply to his questions, I commented on how much I loved that piece but had sold it years ago, told him how much it had cost and that it was a one off, so there wasn’t another. I often have wondered if that man would have said the same to a male potter? Taking pride in our work is a good thing and not something to be frowned upon…but…I’m opinionated 🙂