POTTERS GUILD of BRITISH COLUMBIA a NEWSLETTER 4 bc potters May 2004 Volume 40 No. 5 Reinventing The Wheel Revisited Stephen Plant I had been looking forward to this year’s Clay Symposium ever since Diversity in Clay in 2002. There was even more at Reinventing the Wheel but I decided not to try doing it all. There were too many great presentations hap- pening simultaneously to physically attend or mentally absorb. The event organizing and design was like a well made and decorated pot - exquisite in balance and function. From what I observed each presenter had a dedicat- ed group crowding in so as not to miss any detail and others who dropped in to just get the flavour and what they could absorb before moving to the next attraction. I did a little “sailing” myself and started by watching and listen- ing through an interpreter to Ichizo Yamashita. I soon realized that I could easily spend the day learning from this master potter. However, next was Jane Hamlyn’s slide show: She spoke my language in more ways than one. Her thoughts about mugs were music to my ears and I loved her clear speaking and approach to the potter's challenge. I then went to Hank Murrows unique faceting and throwing demo. The old classroom at Mather House soon filled with people happily hanging out and climbing in through the windows (see picture). Lunch followed - lots of good food to keep up our energies and a chance to share with others. Next for me was Walter Ostrom’s slide show: I again realized I could easily spend the rest of my time there expand- ing my understanding and knowledge but I wanted to watch Hank make his foot rings. I knew there was a lot I was missing and sorry that I can’t review all of the presentations for you. I had wanted to see the results of the wood firing and at least sample what else was going on around me but I chose to slow down and enjoy, meet and talk with others in the foyer, peruse the exhibitor’s booths, and see Keith working his big slabs with his "beautiful helper”. An unexpected extra dimension added to this year’s program was a silent auction with donated pottery for the ben- efit of the 5th & Yukon potters whose studios, equipment and stock were severely damaged or destroyed by water after a fire. Unlike the very interesting "road show’ we had an opportunity to see what others had brought and take some- | thing special home and help some of our members at the same time. The whole glorious day was capped off with a feast, and a chance to share in the informal atmosphere of dining. We sat around circular tables to enjoy Ethiopian cuisine made without animal fats, wheat or nuts. If I could eat like this every day I would easily tum vegetarian. No after dinner speeches - just some great prize draws and an oppor- tunity to acknowledge the Canadian Clay Symposium Committee. My only complaint was that it was all over too soon. Now I am eager to get back into my studio and reflect more on all that I saw and heard, the ideas I shared and see what new direction my pottery takes as a result. Thank you again to everyone who helped organize and to who attended. You helped reinvent the wheel for me. Stephen Plant Heaven in Earth Pottery Hank Murrow demonstrating soft faceting