The kiln went in on Friday and after two days with some calm weather and some not so calm and many other issues to take our attention the kiln is now underway.
We are just at the point where the wax is burning off the pots and temperature will start going up a bit faster.
The jar from the last post is a possible container for Louise as is the taller one picture above.
( the picture is not great, but you get the feel of the pot).
There is a good chance that this vase with a lid to close will be the one we will use.
The thing about being a potters is we are often asked to make vessels for remains.
The times that we do this we feel a different connection to the piece, knowing that it will hold someone who was dear to a family. We made pieces when out fathers passed away.
Mark's dad's jar was low and fat with his name and dates on it in his favorite glaze.
On my father's jar I added my mother's name and all the names of all his childern to the bottom.
On the front under his name I put this: " There are no good writers; only good editors."
We have made large containers and also made keepsake size for other family memebers.
How very personal these containers can be and varied.
We had a customer who swore that she would not be in an ugly jar and made Mark promise to make something for her. When she died suddenly we just happened to have a large beautiful jar that had just come out of the kiln. We had set it aside and it was in the house waiting for pictures when we got the call. I walked around and around the shop and house and told Mark, this is her jar I just know it and it was.
I have another jar to make soon and it has been in the back of my mind as the time comes close to a year since Lee has passed, it is time to make her container. It is something I just have not done but I feel coming soon.
M
11 comments:
This blog brought tears to my eyes...I once made a pot for a newborn baby...they are the most important pots we make!
Thanks Dan, I know what you mean- we make so many pots but there is something about these.
That is a very beautiful pot Meredith
Somebody bought one of my jars from a show once - he brought his sister along to see it before they decided it was the one to contain their mother's ashes. He was worried that I might be offended that it was to be used for such a purpose - to me it was the finest and most touching compliment that anyone could pay.
Much love to you from England
When we knew that John's cancer was terminal he said he wanted his ashes scattered. We never talked about urns so I wasn't prepared and there wasn't anything suitable in the studio. The urns from funeral homes are hideous things made in China! I settled on a simple wood box that had a slide opening to scatter ashes. After scattering his ashes with the wild ponies of Assateague, the box became a stoke in the wood kiln.
I think the pot you posted is a beauty and I agree, that in times like these, answers of what to do or choose unfold on their own.
Sigh... the things that we are sometimes asked to do serve as gentle reminders that we are in service to beauty and tranquility. You serve those around you well Meredith.
Such beautiful and amazing work you make...I am in awe!
Linda
beautiful jar and tribute
Thank you for your kind comments.
JB- you bring tears to my eyes.
We really are many things to many people.
M
Gosh such mixed emotions! Very sad but at the same time also good that they've found peace in such a beautiful jar.
I am very moved by this post. I too make funerary urns for people and for pets. I always feel a sense of reverence when doing this, it's very meaningful. You've made Louise a beautiful jar.
thank you!
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