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Japanese apprentice, not only bonsai, interesting
Dale Cochoy on Mar 6 2002, 11:51 am wrote:
I thought this story might be interesting to a few. We often talk about or hear about bonsai apprentiships in Japan. This story is by a potter, Mel Jacobson, who studied with a famous Japanese potter, Mr. Hamada.. He recently posted it to the ceramic newsgroup. His story reminds me of the "wire on-wire off" stories along with other stories of long days, no time off, and constant work. So many of his statements and sentiments soud familiar. Hi Dale, I think you misunderstood Hamada. He wasn't saying to avoid an apprenticeship, because it is difficult. The experience described by the other potter was a cakewalk compared to most experiences I know. I did 3 years with a National Living Treasure. I tell you, I don't regret it. Here is Hamada in his own words: "Just to give oneself up to folk art will never do. One must chew and eat up mingei (folkcraft) -- eat it, consume it, put it in your belly; to put it in your system and digest it is what is required in this day and age. We are to assimilate it and do something of our own with this food." So, you totally surrender to learn. Then, when you complete your apprenticeship, if you are not simply parasitic, you make something new. -- Lee in Mashiko, Japan http://groups-beta.google.com/group/ClayCraft http://claycraft.blogspot.com/ http://potters.blogspot.com/ WEB LOG |
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Wow, talk about slow response to a post! :) 2 years!
Lee, do you by any chance still have Mel's original post that I quoted ( or attached) laying around. I'm sure most don't remember ever seeing it and many newbies never did. I didn't save it. Since I certainly never did study pottery in Japan with ANYONE I'm sure I don't understand Hamada's take on apprenticeships, but , like many here on the list, I have known and/or talk to many who have studied/apprenticed bonsai there , not to mention "stones" and "display". I'd LOVE to hear your accounts :) I always did wonder how many tea bowls you had to throw in a day, and for how many months ( or years) before a Japanese master potter figured you threw an OK teabowl ( but not as good as Japanese ones). Regards, Dale ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lee In Mashiko, Japan" To: Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2005 4:03 AM Subject: [IBC] Japanese apprentice, not only bonsai, interesting Dale Cochoy on Mar 6 2002, 11:51 am wrote: I thought this story might be interesting to a few. We often talk about or hear about bonsai apprentiships in Japan. This story is by a potter, Mel Jacobson, who studied with a famous Japanese potter, Mr. Hamada.. He recently posted it to the ceramic newsgroup. His story reminds me of the "wire on-wire off" stories along with other stories of long days, no time off, and constant work. So many of his statements and sentiments soud familiar. Hi Dale, I think you misunderstood Hamada. He wasn't saying to avoid an apprenticeship, because it is difficult. The experience described by the other potter was a cakewalk compared to most experiences I know. I did 3 years with a National Living Treasure. I tell you, I don't regret it. Here is Hamada in his own words: "Just to give oneself up to folk art will never do. One must chew and eat up mingei (folkcraft) -- eat it, consume it, put it in your belly; to put it in your system and digest it is what is required in this day and age. We are to assimilate it and do something of our own with this food." So, you totally surrender to learn. Then, when you complete your apprenticeship, if you are not simply parasitic, you make something new. -- Lee in Mashiko, Japan ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Gregory Brenden++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
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