“I’ll never have a blog”… That was me not so long ago. Yet here I am, writing this, now. This will be a textual processing of my journey in ceramics. You see, I know of no other potters near me doing similar things as I. The bonsai ceramic community is not a large one, especially here in the states, so I have found that community online. Potters such as Walter, Stacy, John, Prickly and James have been invaluable in my growth as an artist. Bonsai potters Thor, Steve, Tom, Hidemi, Eli, Sami, Horst, Jurgen, Sonny, Mark, and particularly Andrew Pearson, the Stone Monkey himself, have been part helpful advisors, part inspiration, and part feel good. It certainly does feel good to know that I am not the only one who opens the kiln at times, to shattered pots, and heart. To know that they are as nervous when a commission is in the kiln as I am, though they have been, for the most part, doing it much longer than I. Or, that the excitement I feel when I replicate a glaze for the first time and realize – I can do this- never goes away. To know that excitement lasts but for a moment, as the unyielding search for the next glaze or shape begins anew. We all go about our craft differently yet the similarities draw us together.
As well as potters, I have been taken in and adopted by the bonsai community at large. I had no idea when I bought my first tree and started a Facebook account, for the sake of learning (another “I’ll never” bites the dust) that I would meet so many wonderful people. I dare not try and name them, you wouldn’t read a list that long anyways. People from all over the world, from all walks of life. When I posted pictures of the first pot I made, I was genuinely surprised at the positive reaction by so many. (I’m even more surprised in hindsight, as I look back at pictures of that pot !) As I progressed, the encouragement and enthusiasm that was showed by so many, fueled me on, and made me begin to believe that maybe, just maybe, I could actually make pots worth owning.
So here, on my first blog post I would like to say thank you. Thanks to all the potters, whether I remembered to name you in this post or not (I am quite sure I’ve forgotten someone) who have helped so much, even if you haven’t realized. I am amazed at the lack of ego and competitiveness amongst this group, who cheer each other on and realize that your success, is never at my expense. I hope that in turn, I can be the same for others, and help them on “the good way”. To form with hands what has only been seen in the mind, and to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.
And thanks to all of those that have supported and encouraged and especially, purchased pots from me! You make it possible for me to continue to explore, and create, as well as give invaluable feedback, it really helps me a lot and sometimes helps me see things I would have missed otherwise. I am grateful, and humbled. Yours, Roy
Roy Minarai Ceramics 