I wrote this post in the hope that my experience may strike a chord with other white people who are working to dismantle their own racist acculturation. That it happened, goes without saying; how exactly it happened is what I’ve been trying to unpack for quite a while. Here, I’m going to relate two facets…Read more »
Racism continuum
racism continuum: one white woman’s perspective
Is overtly racist; their racist beliefs are public and obvious. Is quietly racist; they disguise and are subtle about their racist beliefs. Remains fearful or untrusting of Black people, as learned from parents/caregivers. Unwilling to talk about racism. Engages in gaslighting when challenged on racial comments or behavior. Believes racism isn’t a deal breaker. Believes…Read more »
white people’s work
She said not to turn away, when we became uncomfortable. The work will make us feel that way. I agreed. I’d heard and understood that message over a decade ago, at a UPenn workshop. I watched folks turn away then, when the work became difficult- when it challenged us to think about who we are.…Read more »
skin in the game
Being the grandmother of three black boys – who will soon become three black men – has changed me. Racial injustice is no longer a discussion or research topic; it now defines my anti racist role, so that my grandsons will be safe and respected by society.I’ve been evolving just as my understanding of what…Read more »
The space between
The perfect cylinder escaped his hands, then tumbled around until he slowed the potter’s wheel. It happens sometimes, when trimming the bottom of a pot; the slightest misstep with a tool can result in what seems like utter disaster. The clay had challenged the artisan and threw his expectations off the wheel. He assessed the…Read more »
filthy nana jewelry
Put a couple of words together and maybe you get a ‘desired effect’ or ‘win-win’. Might filthy nana be an apt name for ceramic jewelry? I may never know; it’s just something I uttered one day, describing the kind of grandmother I happen to be. Not that I live in a sty (and I’m an organized sort…Read more »
Things happen
I’ve never subscribed to the adage that things happen for a reason. I endorse more of a things happen … and then you do other things. The difference lies in passive versus active involvement in those happening things. Case in point: eight days before the Bethlehem VegFest 2018, with two more glaze firings needed, my kiln failed.…Read more »
Retail Pottery
My pottery studio has evolved from amassing supplies, tools, and equipment. A friend recently Instagram-shared her Guatemala visit showing a potter making pots with corncobs for surface texture, and found objects to trim the ware. Here, in Southeastern Pennsylvania, my pottery making appears to support a vast retail industry. My usual go-to is The…Read more »
Kathystoneware at Bethlehem VegFest
The kiln has been firing with extreme regularity, prepping for the 2018 Bethlehem VegFest. With less than a month to go, I’m still adding to bins full pottery that will be for sale at the kathystoneware booth. Saturday, July 14, 2018 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST at Daniel Rice Memorial Field 100 W. Lehigh Street …Read more »