I have been buying, selling, and writing about American studio pottery since 1978. I have observed trends and taste changes fairly closely over this interesting period. I have traveled from coast to coast meeting clay giants such as the Heinos, Harrison McIntosh, Harding Black, and Kurt Wild. Always I am sensing what collectors or clay dealers are involved in at the moment. One goal is to peruse what is selling and who was collecting. I am fascinated by the reasons something sells or is left upon a dusty shelf.

I enjoy all modes of clay, buying abstract, functional, and all in between. Clay is a world of endless possibilities. It has been a part of mankind since the time of Allie Oop. Clay has a part in every living soul on this shrinking planet. The first question for potters is simply this: what portion of John Q. Public wants handmade clay-abstract or functional? Second, what portion of the man on the street has even a modicum of knowledge of any form of art?. Most Americans do not know the difference between art Deco and Art Carney.

An aspect of successful pottery sales is what I call the dreaded "ipod" enemy. How can we turn the ipod group onto ceramic art or any other art form? How do we foster an interest in art in general? How do we open eyes and souls? This question is not easy to divine. There may be hope. Hope based upon possible efforts to bring art and design to the public with a focus on American youth. Parents need to take their children to craft shows, museums, and the theater. Hopefully, exposure will negate the anti art culture them that is seen and promoted by participants in videos and and television. Give our American youth options. Artists of all mediums need to spread the proverbial word that very unique and special objects must be a part of a civil society. We must find the funding to open the door of creativity in our schools. Art is a not a useless endeavor, art is a needed light that must be always shown.

Denise and I have three granddaughters. The goal is very simple: give them chances to see and absorb. Flowers must be allowed to bloom. Will our girls live in a world empty of hand made creations or a world saturated by sameness and banality? That question is the bottom line.