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Laughing, talking, throwing, Conrd from Page 8

Silverman had graciously invited me to spend a few days with her and
husband Jack.

Except for one (very expensive) martini on the beach, our entire time
in Miami was spent in Marsha's studio playing in that slippery white
stuff. Well, here's what potters do on vacation: we were in Marsha’'s
studio from 9 a.m. till 11 p.m. each day, a quick lunch standing up,
and back out to the studio until Jack called us in for dinner. Then back
out again. Laughing, talking, throwing, studying, critiquing, learning
(that was me doing the lion's share of the learning) and just having a
ball, bouncing ideas about and talking pots non-stop.

I cannot overstate how much admiration I have for Marsha Silverman's
work (see www.marshasilverman.com). I’ve never watched a potter
throw with such ease and grace and precision. With around 40 years
of potting experience, many years making dinnerware for Macy's in
her early career, Marsha throws pots with a facile quality that sets her
work apart. Her carved pods and miniatures and her altered works
are amazing. Jack and Marsha’s private art collection reflects an eye
for the very best.

I know some men who can throw like the wind, but with tiny little
wrists and lack of brute strength, I have had to develop different ways
to move the clay, as many women potters have done. I can relate so
much to Marsha's every move at the wheel, and she is undoubtedly
one of the finest throwers I’ve ever met. What a difference these few
days in Marsha’s studio have made for me; now back in my own studio
and at the wheel.

‘These pots of Marsha’s have a fluidity, grace and fullness from within
that says to my eye that they were thrown with ease. It takes a very
long time to have such stillness, comfort and connectedness in the
throwing. Time and the making of many, many pots will bring one
closer, and with increasing awareness of the heart and soul, as well as
design and technical expertise, the work evolves. I cannot wait to see
the pots coming off my wheel next year, and in the years to follow.

Like most potters, retirement is not in the picture for me. I just plan
to throw smaller pots and less of them when I'm 90. I also plan on

many vacations ahead with hands in clay. What a great life we potters

get to enjoy!

Holly McKeen is a full-time studio potter who
operates Greendale Pottery & Country Guest
House in Chilliwack, B.C. and also teaches
intermediateladvanced level wheel-throwing at
the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. For more on

her work, see www.greendalepottery.com. For
classes, see www.chilliwackartscouncil.com.

Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - June / July 2011

Calling all senior (Gr. 10-/2)
students vg m Alder grove :

Special Project : Ceramic Murals in Aldergrove
with Susan Gorris, MFA, BFA Artist and Educator

July 18-22 9:00-2:00
Five sessions held in a private studio in Aldergrove.
No fees for participants; application form available by emailing sqorris@shaw.ca
Applications due June 28th

Murals _in Aldergrove is a continuing effort to beautify the Community of
Aldergrove, create an awareness of culture and an appreciation for the Arts and
to provide an opportunity for Aldergrove youth to make a positive and personal
contribution to their Community. It all began with the Aldergrove Youth Project
(see link at www.susangorris.com ) designed, created and installed by a Team of
secondary students, Parent and Community volunteers throughout 2009-2010.
This new and exciting 2011 venture will again, be designed and created for an
Aldergrove public venue and will showcase the amazing artistic skill and industry
of Aldergrove youth ! All senior (Grades 10-12) students living in Aldergrove are
welcome to join us ! To discuss this opportunity, call 604-856-0634. Pre-
registration & selection of participants will be completed by July 1st, 2011.

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