In the old USSR there was an award or medal for Hero Mothers. These were mothers who had large families or lost children in a war.
Proge and I use it as a compliment when one of us has done something special or a little out of the ordinary. We have begun to use it as a designation for people who have done something extraordinary.
Which leads me to HERO POTTERS. These are the potters who have given huge amounts back to the clay community in addition to a body of work that makes a genuine statement.
My first Hero Potter is Robin Hopper. The man is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. If you have a problem chances are he has covered it in one of his bookd
Making Marks is one of my go to books when I need information about working on a clay surface.
Robin Hopper Ceramics is an overall view of his life and work. I find both invaluable. Plus they have wonderful, informative photos!
So! Who are your Hero Potters? Do you have any?
This post will be linked to Sunday Ceramics; I will also put a link on Mud Colony.
Enjoy the week ahead. As always, thanks for stopping by.........*s*
P.S. Robin is also a dynamite gardener!
Wow, what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteH Elizabeth.....Thanks. It's good to see you back in the blogosphere.
DeleteI have a couple of Robin's books, some of my hero potters are Lucy Rie, Ruth Duckworth, Maria Martinez, Eva Zeisel, Beatrice Wood, Stan Bitters, and many more.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda....That's a great list.
DeleteAhhhhh..... Robin Hopper..... I think I refer to his books more than any other on my shelf. Just great, sensible information and wonderful study of the history of shapes, forms and uses. Yup, mine too :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy......I love his depth and breadth of knowledge.
Deleteoh yes, I like him too....I recently saw a book I liked by one of the younger leachs...but heros? Maybe some of the people making Korean celadons several hundred years ago, nameless....
ReplyDeleteHi Gary....Oh, those celadons! Heros don't have to have names to be heros!
DeleteI have lots of hero potters, besides Robin and everyone in Linda's list I would add Val Cushing, Malcolm Davis, Paulus Berensohn, Cynthia Bringle, Jim Lawton, the entire Leach family, Michael Cardew,....
ReplyDeleteHi Lori....Another wonderful list!
DeleteDearest Suzi,
ReplyDeleteLeaving detailed writings behind for others to learn from is quite an accomplishment and a service to others!
Enjoy your new week and hope it will be a mild one for your region.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hi Mariette....We think of well known people as the ones who leave their knowledge, but many of us have individual memories and knowledge that should be shared. Think what a treasure trove all these blogs will be for future researchers.
DeleteHi Suzi,
ReplyDeleteAlways good to get some inspiration from what other have done - the book looks interesting.
Happy week
hugs
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn....Inspirations breeds inspiration!
DeleteRobin Hopper is one of my 'hero potters' too. I was lucky enough to visit his studio and buy one of his pots which was carefully wrapped and brought home in my hand luggage on the long flight back to Australia. It sits in pride of place in my little collection.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne....You are so fortunate to have one of Robin's pots!
Delete