On Perfection

Just as an aside, something a lot of us probably suffer with is an overly-restrictive definition of "perfect" / "perfection". We are used to living in a machined world, and forget how imperfections are what really make us love something.

Example --- people find others attractive when their faces show a strong degree of symmetry. However, a face that is too symmetrical is off-putting and can be downright disturbing.... In designs, pottery, and art "perfection" is almost always sterile.

From a potter's perspective, skilled craftsmanship is something we tend to strive for ... especially when we are just beginning our dialog with clay or are trying new techniques. This is good! This is as it should be! However, please always keep in mind that it is not "perfection"  to be able to mimic a machine's precision.

Perfection is often found through the allowance of what our machined, mass-produced world would consider "rejects". It is the perfection of the human soul, the qualities that make us human: the dings, the rough spots, the slight wobbles, the evidences of the fires we have come through, and so forth.

I challenge you to consider just what "perfection" means to you in your craft and art. I challenge you to stretch the boundaries of your personal definition(s) of perfection. Examine these concepts, then perhaps re-invent your own definition of Perfection.