Colleen Mansfield

This article was interesting because it caused me to decide for myself where I believe ceramics lies is it art, or is it culture? More importantly, why can it not be both, or why can art and culture not coincide? I do agree that culture tends to slip into civilization, and when I think of civilized ceramics, I do envision mass-produced cereal bowls and coffee mugs. Then again, I have been to a good number of art museums that showcase ancient ceramics and a good number of history museums that do the same. I would argue that the same ceramic collection could be shown in both settings within weeks of each other if it were part of a traveling collection loaned out to many museums. I liked the last section of the article, pertaining to the expression of the individual through ceramics. It reminded me of the first day of class when all the different cups were introduced as people a little tiny portion of who they are, sitting out on the table for all to admire. Each was unique, and each was interesting in its own way. The ideas are played out within each class period, as I observe others working while I work. No two people are working on identical projects. We are taking the same basic ideas pinch pots, coil pots and making them our own, shaping and molding the clay as our individual abilities and visions guide us.