5/5/10: Pottery Life - with Zane Fosston

Recorded/Transcribed: 5/5/2010 - WTTT's United Public Radio

United Public Radio.  Multiple Voices. Talking to You.

Now its time to stick your finger in some clay and form a bowl, cup, or pinch pot. Its "Pottery Life with Zane Fosston."

Shape your world with clay and form bonds that last for centuries.  Hello everyone, and welcome to Pottery Life.  I am Zane Fosston.  

You know, our cave dwelling ancestors had it right.  They created tools and homes out of clay and they were strong enough to survive and evolve into who we are today.  Wow!  Just think of that.  In just 2000 years, people have gone from living in caves and not having a spoken or written language to computers and modern medicine.  And what is the common thread across all of those years?  That is right.  Pottery.  Pottery is with us as a tool, as a vessel, as a meditation.  I say meditation because after a long, stressful day, there is literally nothing better than sitting at a spinning wheel and crafting a vase or an urn for a loved one.  Its the smooth clay under your fingernails, the warmth from the kiln on your back, the beautiful, natural aroma of paints and varnishes filling your nose and lungs.  If that does not put you into a state of zen, then we are no longer friends.

You know, some people have dogs.  Some people have cats.  Some people have children.  It doesn't matter what sort of pet you decide to take into your home as long as they understand beauty.  For example, I had to sell all of my pet ferrets to the strange man that hides behind our neighborhood's dumpster after they staged a coup and destroyed my collection of small, nesting bowls.  They did not understand beauty and true craftpersonship.  You need to teach your pets their place--what is on limits and off limits.  Or guess what--your precious artwork will also be ruined.

Remember everyone, pottery IS life.  It is the essence of life and the pinnacle of expressionism and virtue.  It is something that our mother earth has given us.  Use the earth's juices to create a new world for yourself.  A pottery filled world where everything is forged through the fire.  The city and people of Pompeii are a great example of this and I can only wish that a massive volcano's ashes encrust me to death along with my family and friends.  The terricada statues of Japan.  So strong and sleek and greenish.  Another great example of pottery-shaped people and friends.  Let me say one last thing before taking some pottery-related phone calls, all of my lovers have been forged out of either plaster, or stone, or marble.  I have many replicated Greek and Roman statues around my house that I have fallen in love with.  That is all I want to say.

Kevin from Salt Lake City.  Please craft your message to me.

Kevin- Hello Zane.  I lost it.  I lost all of it and I don't know where to look.  All of my figurines and sculptures and vases and bowls and pinch pots.  Everything is gone.  I am so sad right now.  How do I even start the process of gaining everything back.

Kevin....wow...what a lost.  I can't even imagine the torture of spirit and mind and body you must be experiencing.  This is going to sound morose and dark...but please consider this maxim that I live by: life and pottery are indistinguishable from each other.  Meaning- you cannot have one without the other.  If you lose your pottery, you should lose your life as well.  Kevin, please cease your breathing now and forever.

Beth from Lansing.  The pottery doors are open, please walk through with your question.

Beth- Zane.  I absolutely love what you said last week about your clay-based diet.  I have been trying it myself and I can already feel my body getting skinnier.  Thank you!

Well Beth, clay is, after all, the perfect, earth-grown substance.  It is perfectly organic and just as nature intended.  There is no need for other foods or liquids....which usually contain adulterants...when you have beautiful, clean clay.

Well, potters and female potters, that is about all the time we have for today.  Join us tomorrow for another exciting, and reveling, and maybe even cathartic episode of Pottery Life.