The Potter breathes life into the lump of clay, …
and the clay says “make me beautiful, make me what I am supposed to be…”

And so as the Potter I talk to the clay at every step.
The clay becomes a living being, when I put it in my hand.
At birth the clay is without form, and so… flexible.

As I build my pot, a child begins to form…
and like a child the pot is still pliable and not yet completely formed.

I add more life-giving clay to my pot, and it grows.
And as with the formative years of youth, I tug and
pull at the clay, to provide the shaping that is so vital.

As with life’s path itself, some pots emerge with a struggle…
and others with a smooth flow of energy…

Then, the final form emerges and begins to harden, still with rough spots…
my pot has reached adolescence.

And now my pot enters a most formative stage as it hardens and as the final finish is added.
Its shape has been determined… its useful capacity as a vessel becomes evident.

Finally, my pot is ready to face its greatest trial, the firing process; just as in life, it faces trial by fire.
The capability of the pot to survive is a witness to every potter’s skill.

And again as in life, my pot is transformed by this fiery trial;
it is hardened, changed in appearance, and becomes vibrant
with color… obtaining harmonious beauty and life!

And even if this trial should detect a flaw, this flaw most often is known only to its creator.
So you see, the flaw should not take away from the overall form, beauty and essence of the vessel…
In the same way, a flaw in your own life, which often cannot be seen by others,
should not keep you from reflecting your overall form and beauty.

I hope that my pottery will have a long and useful life, giving enjoyment to many.