There was a time when I saved ‘the good dishes’ for special occasions. No more. Now, that seems like an old fashioned concept. I don’t think my kids and their contemporaries share this idea of only using certain special or costly items just once in awhile. I have begun to break this habit by using the items I’ve made, purchased and love on a regular basis. It makes me happy.
In the morning I start each day with a hand-made mug of coffee. Not only do I believe it tastes better that way, the unique feel of each vessel in my hand links me to the maker on a personal level. Each potter has touched and manipulated the clay into specific form only they can create. I appreciate their attention to design and material each time I take a sip. It’s not necessarily a conscious thing, but the added pleasure to this morning ritual is real.
Throughout the day, I continue to use as many of the pots I own as I can. Beyond cooking or serving food, I like to find other ways to utilize my pottery collection. Bowls can hold mail, spare change or desk items. Trays and plates catch water drips from planters, house collected treasures or a midday snack.
I end each day with a current knitting project. Here, again, I've begun to use one of my yarn bowls to catch and hold the ball of fiber as I build the rows I knit into a finished piece. Using what I make gives me insight into the pot's structural strengths and helps me visualize the piece through the eyes of the user.
So get out the pottery you love and start using it! I bet it will help brighten your day and even make the food you are eating taste better!