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Judith Ford

I have always been drawn to ceramics and the process of making something with clay.  I remember when a local artist was demonstrating at a mall way back in the 60’s, (Yes, that’s about 60 years ago) and how I was mesmerized watching him place a ball of ‘mud’ onto a wheel and like magic formed it into a bowl.  I was still living on campus in Champaign, Illinois, after graduating in Education.  While attending school there, I had tried to enroll in a ceramic class, but the University of Illinois only let art majors take clay classes.  So I waited.

After I stopped teaching to start my family, we moved to a mini farm in Hartville, Ohio.  Between nurturing my growing family, learning the ins and outs of raising animals and growing a huge garden including many fruit trees and such, I found myself with plenty to keep my mind and body stimulated.  A mini farm was a far cry from my city of Chicago upbringing.  So, I continued to wait.

I didn’t start with a fine arts degree, but the museum offered all I needed to give me the skills to explore the medium.  After I took a few classes, I was wanting to go beyond myself and I applied to and became a member of the then Canton Potters’ Guild, CPG, now named the Canton Ceramic Artists Guild, CCAG.  The relationships I formed through the group helped to expand every aspect of my journey with clay.  We were expected to help run the pot shop including mixing glazes and firing student works…some very important parts necessary in my journey.  One day was set aside for guild members to work and I was able to interact with other members and appreciate their approach and techniques.  They also introduced me to workshops where I soon realized that most potters are happy to share their expertise with others.  The idea being that you can use a technique, not to copy the pieces they make, but to make your own version of what has been illustrated.

Being functional person myself, early in this journey I was at a workshop as I watched master potter Warren Mackenzie throw everyday type pots.  I’m not disciplined enough to be a production potter, and as the years passed, I’ve been able to find new methods to keep me growing and changing.  I’m not the same person who started making ‘something’ more than 4 decades ago, and the pottery I make has reflected this.  I’m still a functional person and functional potter in that I like to make pieces that people can use and enjoy.  Sometimes I stretch the meaning of function.  To make ‘something’ that one can enjoy and appreciate for its beauty or just the way it makes them feel is function enough.

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