11/11/03



Michael Plant wrote:

Hagi and Yi bowls are among the most extraordinary works of "art," if you
will allow that word. They make any argument for a "craft"/"art" dichotomy
laughable, at least in my humble opinion.

Yes, I feel the same. Though, a case could be made that the abundance
of third-rate pottery at craft fairs throughout the nation hinders
appreciation for the ones that are true art.

--crymad

There is no derth of bad pottery available here for sure, and I'm critical
enough, but most people are blind to the badness of one and the goodness of
the other -- much like me most likely when it comes to painting. I can tell
you what I like and what I don't and why, but I'm sure I miss most of the
nuance.

The bowls, like the tea, make me feel a bit better about the world, at least
for a few moments. That's something worth striving for, me thinks.

Michael