I have a goal. I’m going to make 500 cups.
This isn’t just a numbers game like repetitions of chin-ups or laps in the pool. I have an idea.
The idea started with this video. Pete Pinnell: Thoughts on cups.
I listened to what he has to say about cups as an intimate object. Yes. I get it. Held in your hand. Then touching your lips. Yes. Intimate object.
This was mid-October. I was struggling with handles and shapes. So I practiced.
Throughout this process I’m questioning. Like: What is functional? What am was I trying to say with these cups? Is it important that they are functional? Do I want them to have a narrative? How obvious should that narrative be? And then: What do I want to say with the forms? Should they be generous with larger, more bellied mug shapes? Or simple, straightforward shapes with the decoration carrying the day? What am I trying to do here?
I keep practicing. At this point (mid-November) I’ve made 67 cups.
Then the thought occurs, “I need to make 500 cups.” So I think about that idea for awhile. Is this really something that I want to do?
Well, yes.
I make more cups.
I’ve been documenting them as I go. Here is cup #1.
This tiny cup was somewhere around #20. Espresso size – struggling with wet size vs. fired size.
Mid-30s. Handles are getting better. Working on decoration and glaze, but still challenged by size.
#55.
Around 100 begin to feel like I’m getting somewhere. This one has a flaw in the glaze – I cannot use city tap water in the glaze.
#110. Using stamps for a different effect.
Then sgraffito leaves and paper resist to create the surfaces.
Now playing with shapes. Trying to increase the capacity.
Or make them tall and skinny like a Greyhound.
From the last firing. Simple shape with leaf decoration and glaze.
Still have a ways to go to get to where I want them. The question now is when are they going to be ready to sell? Do I feel comfortable doing that? Maybe I want to reach the 500 mark before I do that?
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I think folks like them just they way they are.. an original Sarah Snavely. I certainly have a favorite just from those above that I would buy.. What else would you do with those ‘defective’ cups??
Well… the super defective ones might meet Mr. Hammer. Hopefully not too many…
I would love one of those cups also
Thanks, Pam! I really appreciate your comment. Quite a difference between a sculpture that sits on a table and a mug that one uses in their hands.
Sometimes I think the artist gets too wrapped up in perfection. I see the Zen in 500 cups but seriously, look at these comments. We’d all like some of the ones you have already created!
Great points! My biggest concern is that my skill is not quite at the level where I can replicate the same shape. I get close… kind of. Still a lot of variation in size and shape – not creating a matched set yet. What if someone says, “I want one like that one?”
Lovely! Who cares about duplicates? Sell them as they are-originals. Open an etsy shop and get to selling. Gorgeous!
Such a tease. You show us these beautiful hand-made mugs, and then tell us you’re not ready. Sounds like you have a ready and willing clientele already.
I think that what an artist may perceive as a flaw is what some of us think just makes the item unique.
Love, love these mugs! When will you have more for sale? I don’t care if they are identical–they are art that just happen to be able to be used to enjoy your favorite beverage!
Soon, Pam! Thank you for asking. I’m shooting for Sunday, April 28th.
I was very disappointed that I was not able to buy one single mug during your last sale. They were all sold out so quickly. I have two rescue Greyhounds (Jada and Luna) and would love to buy a couple. One for me and one or two to donate to the Golden State Greyhound Adoption (GSGA) fundraising picnic in September. I’m hoping to pick up a couple at your next sale.
The mugs are just so fun.