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Rick Hoffman - 16 W. Pike - Covington Clay (opening soon) |
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THE ARTIST’S STATEMENT
During first grade I had my first experience with clay in the basement art room at Schnecksville Elementary School. I made a napkin holder with a hideous yellow glaze. My mother carefully stored it and returned it to me at age 40. I never forgot that first grade experience and, in fact, I visited a potter at every available opportunity throughout my youth. Once in college I finally had the chance to explore the media again. I realized while watching other students work in the studio that clay held the imprint of emotion. It responded and showed the dent of an aggressive hand in a different way than it held the dent of a gentle hand. I began to respect the long process, which has a time frame of its own. There are many stages in pottery. To have a successful finished product you have to navigate the perils of each stage. One wrong move and you begin again. There is no “painting over,” no erasing, no “printing it again.” It’s done. But when done well, its permanence is its appeal. It holds emotion indefinitely. |
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When teaching elementary school children, I show them my yellow napkin holder. I think it is important for everyone to remember what they really want to do no matter how many years it takes to begin.
When teaching adults, I try to teach them the importance of a creative mind. Somebody “thinking outside of the box” is the only reason that we have cell phones, computers, television, space travel, and any other modern convenience. If adults learn to think creatively, no matter what their chosen field, they will excel.
When teaching myself, I listen to the children, the adults, and most importantly the clay. |
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In addition to a full line of functional pottery, I also present “artist-in-residence” programs at elementary and middle schools.
Please visit www.Hoffmanstudios.com for more information about these programs. |
