Sculpted Figure. USA. Tom Clark. Potter. Gnome Sculpting a Coil Clay Pot. 1992. 8"H

(June, 1992) Potter, like all my Collector Society pieces, is busy at work. He is using the old-fashioned method of coiling strips of clay to craft a new pot. If you think he needs a potter's wheel you'll find one behind him. As do many people who work out-of-doors, Potter keeps a rag handy in his back pocket. he uses it to keep the clay moist as it's transformed into an object of both utility and beauty. Some of Potter's other handiwork are nearby: a tea set whose teapot has an acorn lid, and a tall cookie jar. The jar is wide enough for a Woodspirit child's hand, and deep enough for a party. Around every potter you'll find many fragments of broken pottery, called potsherds. I've given Potter an Israeli coin and a potsherd dating from the time of Jesus, found during my travels to Bethel, Israel in 1964. As Potter turns his hands to his trade he is reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah: Yet, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou art our potter; we are all the work of thy hand. Isaiah 64:8