I went to Bennington College the first week of September, 1983 as a 17 YO freshman art student. I saw a kiln being unloaded and a pot being turned on a wheel and was like "WHAT is that, I want to do that!". And signed up and it was my favorite class that fall, and throughout college (I also studied architecture and education, but had a very clear favorite).
Thirty years is a long time. I am VERY lucky to be able to practice this art as a career every day, it is so much fun and suits me very well. EVERYBODY would be lucky if they found something that suited them so well when they were 17.
Here is a picture of me in the ceramics studio that first day. (lower, in color) The black in white was in the album too, taken a few months later just after I turned 18...thought I would toss that in...
The other pic? I am walking the dog yesterday and a woman stops me "I saw you in the ITHACA TIMES! Great pictures!".
They interviewed me last month and I was wondering when they would get around to printing it....it is about pottery around here, and there are 5 artists quoted, but mostly me, and 2 out of the 3 pics too :)
Excellent! Good publicity is always welcome. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou were a cute youngster!
I went to the Ithica Times link, couldn't find the article. Even did a search with your name. Help. I want to read all about you! Congrats on a life well lived! I do have you beat in age having started potting, but I did take a break...so it doesn't count.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 30 years of playing in the mud!
ReplyDeleteIt was thirty years ago today
ReplyDeleteGary Rith got involved with clay.
He's always had a lot of style
That's guaranteed to raise a smile.
So raise a glass of cheer
For potting all these years....
*GARY RITH!*
(with apologies to Lennon/McCartney)
I know, they have not gotten around to adding that article to the site...
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty cool to have known so solidly your passion so young.
ReplyDeleteVery cool. Congrats on thirty years of doing what you love and getting paid for it.
ReplyDeleteHappy 30th Anniversary of finding your life's vocation.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see a Mark Ruffalo movie, I can't help but think how much he resembles you. But I look at a picture from 30 years ago and I think you look like one of the Brady brothers!
Very cool. One of my son's best friends just started at Bennington this year.
ReplyDeleteWhoohoo! Nice article! Here it is for those who could not find the working link -
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ithaca.com/special_sections/the-mud-arts-ceramics-in-ithaca/article_8bbbacac-1bbe-11e3-8f72-001a4bcf887a.html