Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
A Chicago potter’s somewhat slanted view of clay & play
Categories: artists, bowls, inspiration, pottery

Sometimes I wonder if anyone even reads this blog.
I my ramblings and photos are being seen by anyone, or if it’s just for me?
But then every once in awhile you get a note, a comment, an email that makes it all
worthwhile. That confirms that someone is out there reading… and caring. And that
maybe in some small way my blog is affecting & inspiring someone out there.

Well, today was one of those days. I received this message through my Facebook page.
It’s from a potter named Sam that checked in with me on my blog a few years ago.
Over the years, she’s posted a few comments now & again. It’s so great to see where her
work has gone. How much she’s progressed. How you can see her joy & confidence. And
that somewhere in there are a few “inspirations” from me. Or at least I’d like to think so…

So here’s her Facebook message regarding her bowl making endeavors.
Apparently she’s involved in an “Empty Bowls” project as well. And she’s been busy
making bowls for the annual event.

“You inspired me two years ago when I began this bowl making journey. Now I’m
up to three hundred bowls each year as my style has become so popular that more
and more people want one. They have actually had to turn people away this year
because they can only seat 300. I’m also the local poster child for our bowls event too.
Have a great year Gary!”

Love the stamping. The slip trailing. The split rim. The detailing. You know
how I love it when people go “a bit over the top”… too much is never too much!

Thank you Sam for sharing. Your bowls are beautiful…
and I LOVE that your doing what you love to do. It shows. And for sharing
your love with others. Especially those 300 people who will get one of your bowls!

4 Comments

Sam

March 1st, 2013

Thank you sooo much Gary and you have definetly influenced my work! My charity “bowl” event is to fund raise for hospice, they care for children and adults in the last stages of their life before passing. I worked as an activity director in a nursing home for a number of years and have a deep affection for the elderly and people of all ages that need a supportive kind of caring. This charity is dear to me because both my parents died at a young age from cancer and diabetes. I mentioned this because sharing my bowls with this community and the people who care for the ill is my way of sharing my love…just as you put it. i check your blog almost daily , and believe me when I say, you are touching many lives too. thank you Gary for being such a generous artist! Sam

Allen

March 1st, 2013

Everyone should read your blog. I check for new postings daily. Spreading your enthusiasm and talent to all of us. My studio is doing an empty bowls throwathon this year for the first time. I may even be using a stamp or two in the process. Sam’s bowls look great. Thanks for sharing.

dana

March 1st, 2013

Ever since i discover your blog a lot of things change.I dont post many coments on your blog because English is my 3rd lenguage,so it is challenge for me to write and avoid mistakes.I do pottery for about 4 years,last year i received grant for developing artist and i still fill that something is missing.Well not any more….
Your work is big inspiration.
I have full time job, and still find time to work with clay.Recently i set up studio at my home in New London MN and find my self running home from work to create more stamps,look for different texture,chacking on your blog for new tips..I realy appreciate that you sharing you ideas with so many people.I love your work,the passion that you have.The courage to leave yor job and do what you love POTTERY

Patti

June 8th, 2013

Wondering if anyone reads your blog?
I Do!

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