i learned pottery in college, and had always wanted to go back to it. i really love the texture of clay, the feeling you get when you're perfectly "centered" on the wheel, and of course the moment your pieces come out of the kiln. several months ago, i found a studio near my office named "mud sweat and tears". it's the cleanest studio i've ever worked in, and everyone's friendly. a real convivial place -- such a contrast to the somewhat hierarchical culture that i've experienced among japanese potters. now it's where i spend most of my weekends. in some ways it's great meditation. it takes my mind off work, and i concentrate so much that i sometimes forget to eat, which you know -if you know me- never happens! i wouldn't call it relaxing, though. kneading the clay and controlling it on the wheel takes quite a lot of strength, and i always end up with stiff shoulders and muscle cramps all over. and some days i mess up and go home with nothing to show for my hours of work, which is extremely frustrating. so "mud sweat and tears" isn't just a cute name, it's a perfect one.
