Notes on Cooking (or Potting)

Another wood kiln opening yesterday. Even it's in the cold rain, people were still very enthusiastic. It's like boxing day comes early. You never know what you will get until it's opened. I was reading a small book about Cooking. Don't confused it with a cook book, this one has no recipe, only principles which can extent to different disciplines.

Here's Page 8:The Cook's Role, I can see some of the parallel to the Potter's role. So, I think I should share with potters friends.

14. Work from your strength. Don't try to master everything. Become known for a few dishes (forms), perhaps even the near perfection of one. Discover your obsession, then make yourself a slave to it: the mastery of a traditional dish (form), the combination of ingredients (glazes and firings) that have never before met, precision in presentation, devotion to a culinary (ceramic) heritage, the introduction of color (surface, texture) where it never before existed…

15. Aim at mastery of craft, not at art. Know the basics. Repeat and practice, and the sublime will rise at rare, unexpected moments. Be open to capturing art when it comes, but craft is your highest daily priority.

16. Don't TRY to be different. You are different. Cook (Pot) from your gut.

17. Embrace the mundane. Do not bemoan the pedestrian tasks. Find pleasure in peeling a carrot (wedging clay), steaming rice (sieving glaze), searing a steak (pulling handle), prepping (sanding), cleaning (Oh yes, cleaning). Your reward is in the work, not around it. Cooking (Potting) is not about convenience, but the pleasure earned through creation and in giving pleasure to others. Shortcuts are tempting, even necessary from time to time. But if you rely on pre-cut vegetables, pre-marinated meats, and canned sauces, you are not cooking. You are assembling. I guess we had all seem some assembled pots before.

19. Justify your food (works) in at least two ways. A dish (piece of work) must taste (function) good and be seasonal (stylish), or look good (good form) and be healthful (be safe or be inspiring). Having dual objectives raises your standard of execution. Plus when a single purpose falls short, you have provided yourself a safety net.