Joy Chadwick

Grayson Perry

I found it useful to hear again from Grayson, self defined artist-not-potter, the definition of craft as learned or taught technique, a certain set of processes.  Art is linked to individuals and their visions, and, rather than the lovely and the logical,  Grayson says, brings serious irrationality into the world. Although Grayson is in awe of quality craftsmanship and makes excellent pots, he is that artist I want to be, one who reveals his personal aesthetics and truth-seeking in creating original pieces. Grayson the artist is clear that he creates art merchandise for an art audience and exhibits in fine art gallery settings. As an artist not a potter he chooses the vessel surface to draw and paint context and content –questions about human rituals, global issues, etc. I admire Grayson’s simple and direct conversations about art, craft and function. I have a much better definition and understanding for my own work.

I like the certainty he displays about ownership of his place in contemporary art, to the extent that he is comfortable bringing female fashions (cross-dressing) designed by his students, into the mix. Although Grayson’s created feminine attires are deliberately befuddled for anyone’s tastes, reasons why are also layered, because Grayson has become “branded” and the viewer expects a pun or satire. He said that sometimes an idea comes out and maybe gets dismissed, later to be successful, such as using a childhood toy to project feelings. Thus Alan Measles the little teddy bear came out to look at religion, explore darker themes, and star in a look-alike contest for Grayson’s current British Museum exhibit. I thought of resurrecting Boc, Big Orange Cat, recently demised probably to local coyotes, to serve as my muse. He has look-alikes in the real and the toy world. He was an adventurer and seriously, we could together set a stage and look at some issues. And I mean that as admiration of another artist’s good idea.