What if I Don't Like It?

Taste is fascinating, so variable, so personal, so strong.

I run into this variety in every craft show. It is easy to see favorite colors in people's clothing, and in the pots they choose, but everything else comes as a surprise.

I've thought I am not an artist because so much art does not attract or interest me. I do think I am a potter; but so much pottery does not attract me. The latest Ceramics Monthly magazine forces me to face this.

Do I like this pitcher? Yes,and I'm surprised. Usually my taste runs to simple surfaces, with one or two interesting variable or runny glazes. This is what I'd usually call overloaded, but I find it intriguing, friendly, attractive.

Let's look at others.

The magazine always includes several pages of ceramic pieces from exhibitions. No. I am moderately interested in the top row, but that's all.

Clearly these are expert work, and intended to express whatever the artist has to say. But I don't even look, except for wondering about the carving on the mugs. Overload to me.

Does the expertise matter? Certainly to creating what one has in mind. For me to like it, I'm not sure. I've seen beautiful beginner work. And what I suspect is my best piece ever is not very competent technically.

 It is interesting, graceful, to me attractive.

Definitely, I am attracted to functional pots, not so much to sculpture.

Oh, wow, look at this work by Inge Vincents. Call it sculpture, and it is equally wonderful. Needn't be practical, though these are all usable pots. Simplicity, delicacy, marvelous form.

Ah, that is why I am not so taken with these.

They are chunky and the glaze is a flat color.

 I think I have a narrow taste. Is that OK? I suppose so. If it does any harm, it is only that I do not appreciate a lot that gives other people pleasure and excitement.