Pottery, to be or not to be

I have never fancied myself a potter.  I have always gravitated to more sculptural work.  Last fall I took a throwing class.  I had not thrown on the wheel since I was in middle school.  It is a skill that must be practice, practice a lot to perfect.  Unfortunately (in my opinion) there is a trend in art that emphasizes concept over technique.  I am not opposed to concept, but too frequently, "artists" do not learn the technical skills well enough to successfully convey their ideas.  Technical processes are merely tools to convey a concept.  It takes time to develop a skill and I have this idea that because of our increasingly fast-paced and fractured society, many persons do not want to take the time to learn a skill or trade.

So I took a throwing class.  Recently I was fortunate enough to come across a wonderful deal on a potter's wheel.  It is a Brent CXC.  I want to focus more on pottery over the next year.  This is my goal.  I never really thought that I would enjoy pottery as much as sculpture.  I didn't want to lose my voice.  What I'm realizing is that I can combine pottery and my interests to make more interesting pieces.  I also have satisfaction in opening the cupboard, seeing a bowl I made, and using it.  Functionality isn't always a bad thing, as many artists believe.

I really want to throw that "perfect" vessel, even, thin walls with a nice foot.  It is a goal of mine.  I know that I can, I just need to practice more.  The wheel is currently at the school that I work at.  I am going to make it my goal to throw 2 vessels everyday I work at the school.