Connection. Memories. Gratitude.
I made this short film just for fun during my daughter’s school holiday and shared it in instagram. I thought this deserve a permanent place to shine, so I’ve uploaded the link here too. (video below the words)
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Throughout 2020 I often caught myself with a feeling of doubt in what I do. I mean, shouldn’t I be doing more important things than making pots? At the same time, there were people sharing the reminder of how important it is to lean into joy among the chaos and hard time. Then it reminded me of the post I wrote a while back. It was like this;
What can empty bowls contain? It is a start. A beginning of something. Or maybe something is always there and comforts you. You fill it with a sense of joy, happiness or whatever makes you feel good. Remember your grandmother’s tableware you used to see when you are little. Or your mum’s favourite meal that always served in a particular dish. Such tableware may stay in a little corner of your memory, of your life. In the slightest chance if I could make a piece to be a part of your story, a part of your life, I would be a very chuffed potter…
As family with a daughter of dual heritage, we have two winter celebrations, Christmas for her and my hub (and his side of family) and NY’s Eve to New Year’s Day for her and me (and my side of family). We gather ingredients from local market, farmers shop and delis, cook wonderful recipes both old and new, put mixture of tableware slowly collected over many years from car boot to makers, lay remanent fabric together with candles and green from a beloved local florist, take a moment to relax with warm drink in hand, music and spontaneous dance of our little one.
They all connected. Food, pottery, green, surprise gifts and handmade decorations. None of these exist on its own. Everything and everyone has a part to play. Acknowledging such connection fills me with gratitude for people who helped us celebrate and create another memory.
Making this video reminded me that I am also creating something that can carry people’s memories, even being just a tiny fragment part of them, through my hand, out of my hand, to them and to you. My work and the way I work might change with time but the purpose remains as same as the original post. I am a potter, a creator of a memory carrier, and I am grateful to be part of such connection.
