Beyond Pottery

Water

2012-01-23T23:22:00.000Z

Water is the third element I have being exploring as part of my current art practice. (See older post, Fire, Wind)

Without water life on this earth would not have existed.

It sustains life and enhanced our human evolution.

It is not only life sustaining element but it can also cause destruction of large scale, such as floods.

The inhabitance of ancient Mesopotamia perception and impression of water as an essential element of creation. It developed into the concept of god in the name Enki. Water god was also known as Nudimmud and Ea.

Projected as wise, cunning and as fertilizing sweet water.

Owner of rivers and Apsu.

(Abzu / Apsu: springs, streams, rivers and lakes. Fresh water ocean, which lay beneath earth in the Abzu or engur) in Sumerian term

Enki was also regarded as image fashioner, god of shaping, god of artist and craftsmen. Such as potters, bronze casters, stone cutters, jewelers and seal cutters. Water god is also associated with lustration and purifications.

As provider of fresh water and a creator god, who determine destinies.

His statues were regarded as being favorable to mankind.

Reflection

The natural transition of forces of nature into a supreme human being, highlight the ancient dwellers theological notion.

The land of two rivers has being plagued by hostile invasions and annual flooding. Erasing many forgotten stories and memories of the past.

A disruptive and deadly force, which has transformed a once flourishing civilization into a deserted land.

The Sumerian concept was not based on good versus evil.

Rather an act of rage by the element of nature, such as windstorms, flooding, thunderstorms, sandstorms and invasions.

Humble to forces of nature, transpire to hymns and worship of these forces with the hope it will abate or subside the wind, water and fire destructive elements.

NOTE:

The current art project has not yet being documented. It should be completed by the summer period.

Below are selected images of past work inspired by the concept of water and elements of Enki. And samples of ancient texts, invoking ancient perception of water and its powers.

Enki

Ceramic bottle design

The sublime Lord of heaven and earth

Father Enki, whom a bull has begotten

Who, a wild bull caused to be born

O king who planted the mes -tree planted in the Apsu

Who is elevated in all the lands

The great dragon, who stands in Eridu

Whose shadow covers Heaven and Earth

An orchard full of fruit trees stretched over the land

Enki, lord of prosperity of the Anunna gods

Nudimmud the Kla gal of the Ekur

The strong one of Heaven and Earth

Enki

Vase design

Enki builds his sea house

After the water of creation has being decreed

After the name hegal(abundance) born in heaven

like plant and herb had clothed the land

the lord of abyss the king Enki

Enki the lord who decrees the fates

Built his house of silver and lapis lazuli

Its silver and lapis lazuli like sparkling light

The father fashioned fittingly in the abyss

Apsu

Ceramic tiles design

When Enki rises, the fish rise

The abyss stands in wonder

In the sea joy enters

Fear comes over the deep

Terror holds the exalted river

The Euphrates, the south wind lifts it in waves

Kulullu-Fish man

Clay figurative work

I am the fecund seed, engendered by the great wild ox

I am the first born son of Anu

I am the great storm who goes forth out of the great below

I am the lord of the land

I am the gugal of the chieftains

I am the father of all the lands

I am the big brother of the gods

I am he who brings full prosperity

I am the record keeper of heaven and earth

I am the ear and mind of all the lands

I am he who directs justice with the king Anu on An’s dais

I am the leader of the Anunnaki

I am he who has been born as the first son of the holy Anu

Libation water jug

Mother Hubar

Bottle design

it's time of the year

2011-12-17T21:55:00.001Z

So the Christmas festivity is upon us.

I thought I take a break from posting and enjoy the event.

I would like to wish all my readers a joyful time.

Eat, drink and be merry. Ah the joy of life

Shortest day longest night

We light the candles

We call the light

The sun sleeps deep in the womb of the mother

Soon one thing becomes another

Welcome the sun from the womb

Of the night our seed’s for the future warmed by the light

Solstice rebirth warmth and joy

The wheel turns may our hearts open and grow with the Sun.

Wind

2011-11-28T13:59:00.025Z

Wind invokes my fascinations with this powerful and yet invisible force. A source of life giving, which sustain our habitat and yet it can cause havoc and destructions.

Wind is an awesome and powerful force. It generates movement and arouses a sense of mysteries. The utterance of an eerie cry and an impression of sprits whizzing past the earshot; late at night can manifest fear.

The Phenomena the ancient Sumerian term as: En (wind) Lil (ghost)

Enlil was an invisible entity representing the forces of nature. It was feared deity that manifest into anger and destruction. Since the land of two rivers climate cause severe sandstorms, as this ancient texts association with Enlil:

There are scorching winds

Which smother man in dust

threaten to suffocate him.

Enlil epithets are Kur-gal (great mountain) and Lugal-amaru (king of storm)

He was also the god who was disturbed by the noises men made and instigated the destruction to mankind in the seminal ancient flood story.

The ancient people were in awe with his power and feared this unpredictable weather god.

The Sumerian notion of universe as a state of stones and stars, winds and waters. An early development of theological concept.

The ancient people viewed the elements of nature, as the creators.
All Sumerian written wisdoms were confused with current religion.
Lost in time and space
what was a myth
became the truth
and what was forgotten
was now a myth

Ancient text in reference to Enlil and Wind

Only the gods live forever under the sun

As for mankind numbered are their days

Whatever they achieve is but wind

Enlil was also associated with barbaric mountain people, who frequently invaded the Mesopotamia’s region. When ever destruction occurred it was due to Elili’s curse.

Enlil called the storm

The people mourn

Exhilarating winds he took from the land

The people mourn

Good winds he took away from Shumer

The people mourn

He summoned evil winds

The people mourn

Entrusted them to Kigaluda, tender of storms

He called the storm that will annihilate the land

The people mourn

He called disastrous winds

The people mourn

Enlil choosing Gibil as his helper

Called the hurricane of heaven

The people mourn

The hurricane howling across the skies

The people mourn

The shattering storm roaring across the land

The people mourn

The tempest which relentless as a flood wave

Beats down upon

Devours the city ship

All these he gathers at the base of heaven

The people mourn

Fires he lit that heralded the storm

The people mourn

And lit on either flank of furious winds

The searing heat of desert

Like flaming heat of noon this fire scorched

The storm ordered by Enlil in hate

The storm which wears away the country

Covered Ur like a cloth

Enveloped it like a linen sheet

An impression of Wind

Wind ghost

Fire

2011-10-26T16:58:00.000+01:00

In recent time I have being exploring Alchemy elements of Fire, Water and wind.

Which has evolved into an experimental concept, utilizing various materials along side clay. A form of story telling, inspired by 1001 Nights (Arabian night).

The notion of one story leading to another story inter waving to various themes and ending up to the original story. Out of this practice it transpired into 7 concepts, each conveying the mysteries of ancient past.

Exploring the idea of magic lamp and its function in the ancient world.

The ancient dwellers of land of two rivers perspective of fire, invoke mysteries, danger, helpful, purifying and destructive. The Sumerian deity, Gibil represented power and effects of fire. Also the Sun was associated with the notion of fire, highlighted by the following ancient texts.

Shamash, your blaze penetrates the abysses of the sea

So that the monster in the depth of the sea look on your light.

Illuminator of the darkness, lightener of the gloom

Who dispels the dark and shines over the broad earth

Who makes the day to shine and sends down scorching heat on the earth.

The fact is fire is an essential element that sustains life and in the other hand,

it can consume and bring an end to human existence.

Below are images of oil lamp, lighten on a windy night with selected text to invoke the power and mystery of magic lamp.

Telipinu was angry: his mind wand body were like a raging fire

As this fire is put out, so too shall

Telipinu’s anger, wrath and fury to put out.

(Hittite texts)

Incantation for the sprinkler

Baal has harnessed his chariot

And an overpowering fountain is with him

The Cyprian has sent his fire on the fields

And the wave of water on the field.

(North Semitic text)

Seven are they, seven are they

They are the day of mourning and of noxious winds

They are the day of fate and

The devastating wind which precedes it

They are the children of vengeance

The sons of revenge

They are the forerunners of the plague

They are the instruments of the wrath of Nin Kigal

They are the flaming pillar of fire which works evil on earth

(Mesopotamian text)

Scorching fire, warlike son of Heaven

Thou the fiercest of thy brethren

Who like moon and sun decidest lawsuits

Judge thou my case, hand down the verdict

Burn the man and woman who bewitched me

Burn, O fire, the man and woman who bewitched me

Scorch , O fire, the man and woman who bewitched me

Burn them O fire

Scorch them O fire

Take hold of them O fire

Consume them O fire

Destroy them O fire

(Mesopotamian ritual text)

May the great gods of the night

Shining fire star.

Dumuzi’s flight

2011-09-28T10:33:00.000+01:00

This is the final part from an ancient epic story, written centuries ago.

Dumuzi reign has come to an end and is pursued by the rangers of the netherworld.

The seventh deputy entering the fold

Roused the chief shepherd who lay asleep

Roused Dumuzi the chief shepherd who lay asleep

Roused holy Inanna’s husband the chief shepherd who lay asleep

My master has sent us for you

Get up come along

Has sent us for you Dumuzi

Get up come along

Husband of Inanna son of Duttur

Get up come along

Ululu brother of mistress Geshtinanna

Get up come along

Your ewes are taken your lambs driven off

Get up come along

Your goats are taken your kids driven off

Get up come along

Take the holy crown off your head

Get up bareheaded

Take the holy royal robe off your body

Get up naked

Lay aside the holly staff in your hand

Get up empty handed

Take the holy sandals off your feet

Get up barefooted

Like Inanna, Dumuzi is ordered to strip naked and taken captive. But he had a plan to escape the hunters.

The lad lifted his hands heavenward to Utu

Utu you are my brother in law

your sister’s husband

The one who carries firewood to Eanna

The one who takes wedding gifts to Uruk

The one kissed by the holy lips

The one dallying twixt the holy knees

The knees of Inanna

Once you have made my hands unto the front hooves

Of a gazelle

And have made my feet unto the hind hooves of as gazelle

Let me slip away from my rangers

And flee for my life to Durbidalla

Utu accepted his tearful plea and as a man of mercy

He showed him mercy

Once he had made his hands like unto the front hooves

Of a gazelle

And had made his feet like unto the hind hooves

Of a gazelle

He slipped away from all the rangers

And ran for his life to Durbidalla.

(UTU – SUN)

Wandering in the wilderness, seeking shelter and a place to hide. After several attempts to evade the rangers and seeking help from his former subjects.

A loyal subject betrays Dumuzi. Leading the hunters to Dumuzi hide out.

The rangers were searching for him

Come let us go to Durbidalla

On the way to Durbidalla they were catching Dumuzi

The men surrounded him

Opened up for the stagnant waters therein

Were twining cords for him

Knotting nets for him

Twining varicolored cords for him

Scoring cornel sticks for him

The man in front of him threw things at him

The man in back of him was racing him to within a single ell

Was clapping manacles on his hands

Was pinioning his arms in a shackle

Thus Dumuzi is killed and his body abandoned in the wilderness. The news of his death invoked a lament from Inanna.

The wild bull who has lain down lives no more

Dumuzi the wild bull who has lain down lives no more

The chief shepherd lives no more

O you wild bull how fast you sleep

I will ask the hills and the valleys

I will ask the hills of the Bison

Where is the young man my husband I will say

He whom I no longer serve food I will say

He whom I longer give drink I will say

The Bison has taken thy husband away

Up into the mountains

Bison of the mountains with the mottled eyes

Bison of the mountains with the crushing teeth

May you not make an end to his lovely look

May you not have him open with quavers his lovely mouth

On his couch you have made the jackals lie down

In my husband fold you have made the raven dwell

His reed pipe the wind will have to play it

My husband songs the north wind will have to sing them

As the tragedy unfold of the demise of Shepherd of Uruk. His sister and mother roam the steppe in search for Dumuzi. Geshtinanna find her brother slain body.

She bemoan her brother’s departure

A reed pipe of dirges

My heart plays a reed pipe

I the mistress of Eanna who lay waste the mountains

I Ninsuna mother of the young shepherd

I Geshtinanna daughter in law of heaven

My heart plays a reed pipe of dirges for him in the desert

Plays where the lad dwelt

Plays where Dumuzi dwelt

In Aralli on the shepherd’s hill

My heart plays a reed pipe of dirges for him in the desert

Where the lad dwelt he who is captive

Where Dumuzi dwelt he who is bound

She looks at her slain bull

Looks at his face

The mother in the desert O what loss has she suffered

How she shudders

His mother joins the lament for her lost young son

My child who lay down to sleep till now

The wild bull who lay down

To sleep the treacherous sleep till now

Damu who lay down

To sleep the treacherous sleep till now

That child they have released into the high desert

Released him into the high desert and low desert

The desert kept watch over him at the place

Like a cowherd over the place of his numerous cows

It kept watch over him

Like a shepherd over the place of his numerous sheep

It kept watch over him

Over him who sail the high waters the flood

End of ancient text

Dumuzi tragic death has historical significant and influence on annual lament for a young god. A ritual of the,’ wild bull lives no more.’

“He said also unto me turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord’s house, which was towards the north; and behold there sat women weeping for Tammuz.”

Ezekiel (IX,X)

Dumuzi Dream

2011-08-25T21:05:00.000+01:00

Dumuzi: (Shepherd of Uruk, Wild bull, Amausumgalana, young at heart)

Shepherd is an ancient term for tribal leader.

This is third part of an epic poem.

Follow up to the “courtship of Inanna and Dumuzi”, and ‘Inannan decent to netherworld’.

(See older posts)

Inanna resurrection and the sacrifice of her husband have lead to the netherworld rangers to seek and capture Dumuzi.

the men who went after him

for the shepherd

were a motley crew

they knew not food

knew not drink

ate not flour strewn

drank not water libated

accepted not pleasant greeting gifts

filled not as a sign of affection a spouse’s lap

kissed not that sweet thing a child

set not tooth into the pungent garlic

they were men who ate no fish

men who ate not onions

The expressive ancient text gives us an insight to the first recorded impression of dreams and their interpretations. Dumuzi is troubled by Inanna’s betrayal.

He lay down to doze off

the shepherd lay down to doze off

but instead of lying down to doze off

the shepherd was lying down

to an ominous dream

Dumuzi wakes up from his dream greatly disturbed and consult with his sister Geshtinanna, who happen to have the ability to interpret dreams.

Dumuzi recite his vision.

Wild Bull

Rushes rose for me

rushes grew up for me

and a lone reed was shaking the head in grief

of twin reeds one was taken away from me

in the forest a tall tree was uprooted for me by it’s self

on my pure embers water was poured in presence

the owner’s marks of my pure churns has been removed

my pure cups that hangs on pegs had been taken from the pegs

and I had lost my staff

an owl had caught a lamb in the sheepcote

a falcon had caught a sparrow in the reeds of the fence

my bucks and goats were dragging their lapis lazuli beards in the dust

my rams were raking the ground with their big horns

the churns lay on their sides poured out no milk

the cups lay on their sides

the wind only swept the fold

Geshtinanna respond to Dumuzi

“My dear brother your dream bodes no good, nor may it be propitiated.”

She then goes on to translate his ominous dream.

Rushes rose up for you, rushes grew up for you

Bandits will rise up from ambush at you

A lone reed was shaking the head in grief for you

The mother who bore you will shake the head in grief for you

Of twin reed one was removed for you

You will be taken away from me

In the forest a tall tree was uprooted for you all by itself

An evildoer will seize you within the walls

On your pure embers water was poured in your presence

The fold will quite down for you into a silent house

The owner marks of your pure churns has been removed

An evildoer will take them over into his hands

Your pure cups that hang on pegs had been taken down from the pegs

You are about to fall from the knees of the mother who bore you

You had lost your staff

A little ranger will throw it to the brazier

An owl had caught a lamb on the sheepcote

An evildoer will smite your cheek

A falcon had caught a sparrow in the reeds of the fence

A big ranger will come down upon you from the reeds of the fence

The churns lay on their side poured out no milk, the cups lay on their sides

Dumuzi lived there no more

The winds only swept the fold

A manacler will manacle your hands a pinioner will pinion you

Your bucks and goats were dragging their lapis lazuli beards in the dust

My hair will be flying around in the sky above you like a flood storm

Your rams were raking the ground with their big horns

My fingers like a comb of boxwood will be clawing my cheeks for you

Not only he has being betrayed by his newly wed wife, he is also about to lose his kingdom by an invading force.

The Uruk scriber goes on to indicate the intensity of the betrayal.

Two citizens of Adab

went after him for the shepherd

a camel thorn urine of the corner

and a thorn bush in stinking waters

His hand on the table

His tongue in the palace

Citizen of Akshak

Citizen of Uruk

Citizen of Ur

All conspired to downfall of Dumuzi.

Dumuzi flight and capture, the final piece of this ancient text will be featured in next month post.

Inanna's descent to the netherworld

2011-07-30T17:43:00.000+01:00

Ancients Land of Two rivers forgotten history lay beneath the now abandoned waste lands. Although the ancient dwellers inventions and theological concept influence was widely practice by modern society but it was regarded as myth and folklore tales. The curiosity of travellers to the scattered mounds and the local’s discovery of fired clay tables with strange symbols and other artefacts, which they traded with foreign visitors. As far as the locals concern, they were of value but were perceived as the work of the devil.

Most of these newly found clay tables ended up in museums and private collectors. An explosion of intensive digging leading to discovery of ancient temples, statues, pots and other ancient artefacts.

The profile of ancient forgotten civilization surfaced to the scholars and the western public. Invoking curiosity and many documented adventure in the land of two rivers (modern Iraq).

The decipherment of cuneiform tablets started in 18^th century and the publications of ancients’ tales and theological texts started to have an impact on modern literature.

“Inanna’s descent to the netherworld “, a follow up segment to the ‘Courtship of Inanna and Dumuzi.’ (See last Post)

The rich Semitic tales originally recited in a poetry form and were echoed during marriage rites, annual events and religious gathering in ancient Mesopotamia.

These ancient texts invoke a glimpse of the daily life of ancient dwellers.

An insight to their social and religious concepts; and to certain aspects highlights the history of land of two rivers.

Inanna’s Descent to the Netherworld

Inanna has set her mind to venture to the land of no return.

Egalkurzagin (abode of the dead), where her sister Ereshkigal reign supreme. She knew it was a daring journey, thus she instructed her ever loyal vizier Ninshubur.

When I shall have come to the netherworld

Fill heaven with complaints for me

In the assembly shrine cry out for me

In the house of the gods rush about for me

Lower thy eye for me

Lower thy mouth for me

Ninshubur was to act upon her instruction three days after Inanna enters her sister domain.

Inanna daughter of sin was determined to go

To the house which those who enter cannot leave

On the road where travelling in one way only

To the house where those who enter are deprived of light

Where dust is their food

Clay their bread

They see no light they dwell in darkness

They are clothed like birds with feathers

Over the door and the bolt dust has settled

She arrives at the gate and demand to enter. Neti the gatekeeper of the under world, who ask her to identify herself.

She respond;’ I am the Queen of Heaven the place where the sun rises.’

Neti then ask her: “why have you come to the land of no return?

On the road whose traveller returns not how has thy heart led thee?”

Inanna then reply to Neti’s question:

My elder sister Ereshkigal

Because her husband the lord Gugalanna, has being killed

To witness the funeral rites.

Neti then informs Ereshigal of her sister’s presence outside the main gate.

She is angry at her sister’s daring venture.

What brings her to me?

What has incited her against me?

Surely not because I drink water with the Anunnaki

I eat clay for bread

I drink muddy water for beer

I have to weep for young men forced to abandon sweethearts

I have to weep for girls wrenched from their lovers’ laps

For the infant child I have to weep, expelled before it’s time

Go gatekeeper open your gate to her

Treat her according to the ancient rites.

Neti let her through the first door and take away the great crown of her head.

He let her in through the second door and takes away the rings in her ears

He let her in through the third door and takes away the beads around her neck

He let her in through the fourth door and takes away the toggle pins at her breast

He let her in through the fifth door and takes away the girdle of birth stones around her waist

Her let her in through the sixth door and takes away the bangles on her wrist and ankles

He let her in through the seventh door and stripped off her proud garment off her body.

Inanna now naked and stripped off from her statues is let in presences of Ereshkigal and the seven Anunnaki, who pronounced judgment before her.

They fastened their eyes upon her, the eyes of death

At their word, the words which tortures the spirit

The sick woman has turned into a corpse

The corpse was hung from a stake

After three days and three nights has passed

Her messenger Ninshubur, fills the heaven with complaints for Inanna.

Cried for her in the assembly shrine.

He pleads to Enlil but to no avail. He then go to Nanna and weeps for his help. Nanna stood not by him.

He then appeal to Enki.

What now has the queen of all the lands done I am troubled

He brought forth dirt and fashioned the Kurgarru

He brought forth dirt and fashioned Kalaturru

To the Kurgarru he gave the food of life

To the Kalaturru he gave the water of life

Upon the corpse hung from a stake they directed the fear of rays of fire

Sixty times the food of life

Sixty times the water of life they sprinkled upon it

Inanna arose

Inanna ascends from the netherworld

The Anunnaki seized her and ordered her to give a substitute for her.

Holy inanna gave the shepherd Dumuzi into their hands.

End of this text

Sumerian demons

Sumerian Head dress

Queen of heaven head dress

Sumerian neckless

Sumerians beads

Narrow definition of pottery

2011-06-28T22:04:00.000+01:00

Although I haven’t being active as practicing artist, due to various reasons as mentioned in the previous posts. I am rather alarmed at the current state of pottery.

It seem the business sector has shifted the ancient practice to confined space.

The preoccupation with commercialism, association with craft and overwhelming factory like mass production. The hyped up ‘designer maker’ notion and product conscious artist.

A feeble attempt, to fit a thick robe into the eye of a needle.

Not to include the establishment hiked up fees in return for public exposure and possible sales.

It transpire to the idea of “only the rich should apply”

Then the added selection process, hand picked experts, who can’t figure out how the pot is made without the artist over elaborate details.

A large directory of over emphasis towards classification, which somehow I don’t fit in

The demise of pottery classes in secondary schools has created a vacuum of lost generation of potential ceramic artist. I believe is one of many reasons to the current practice being lacking in raw creativity.

To Business or not to Business, that is my question.

Thus I move on and leave the narrow definition of pottery to rest.

Examples of hand made pottery

Traditional hand build kiln

The Mass production concept

Courtship of Inanna and Dumuzi

2011-05-25T22:02:00.000+01:00

Inscribed on clay tablet around 400BC

Location: Uruk

Main characters:

Inanna: Queen of heaven, goddess of Uruk and goddess of morning star. She is also associated with symbols of love and authority. Also known as Ishtar and associated with Isis.

Dumuzi: Shepherd of Uruk, Wild Bull and doorkeeper of Anu (Sky, Heaven). A worshipped figure in Sumerian annual tribute and celebration; titled Eaklimulu ~ ritual of lying in state.

(Shepherd is an ancient term for tribal leader of king of city-state)

Uruk was on of the oldest Sumerian City state, where “Gilgamesh Epic” and ’courtship of Inanna and Dumuzi’, originated.

The first clay tables, which retell the poetic epic, were found in 1856 from the ruin site around South East of Iraq known as Warka.

This fascinating ancient text has over the years being translated and discovery of other clay tablets which relate to the original story.

First part is titled ‘Sacred Marriage’, followed by “The descent of Inanna to the netherworld” and it concludes with ‘Dumuzi Dream’.

This month post I will be musing with part one of the ancient text.

The Sacred Marriage (also known as Marriage Rite)

A young at heart Inanna & Dumuzi who fall in love and their courtship leads to their union as husband and wife. Which becomes an annual event through out the region. The story invokes the natural harmony of a female and male in coitus state due to sexual attraction.

This evolutionary human interaction generally result to a birth of a child, an offspring of copulation. Fulfilling the Sumerian theological

Concept in the trinity of male, female and child. The ancient text also give the modern audience an insight of ancient sexuality, which seem more liberating, devoid of modern theological sins and morals.

The story begins with Geshtinanna, Dumuzi sister, after meeting Inanna and being invited to her house. She tells him of Inanna’s delight of his appearance and desire to meet him. Dumuzi meet her at the courtyard and attempted to lure Inanna away from her dwelling and family so he can seduce her.

Inanna desire to be at home and weary of being late home.

So he tell her to tell fibs by spending time with a female friend playing music and singing, which was so sweet that time went by.

So Dumuzi can spread a clean and sweet couch and pass time with her in joy and plenty.

After their first encounter, Inanna is in love with Dumuzi as the man of her heart. Thus the process of their union commences.

The young lady stood waiting

Dumuzi pushed the door

And like a moonbeam she come forth to him out of the house

He looked at her rejoice and took her in his arms and kissed her.

On the day of going to bed

The rites be performed to perfection

Milady bathes in water the holy Ioins

Holy Inanna rubs herself with soap

Sprinkles the floor with cedar perfume

After he on the bed in the holy Ioins

Has made holy Inanna rejoice

She in return sooths the heart for him there on the bed.

The marriage rite of Inanna and Dumuzi is completed and the end of part one of the original text.

Yearly rite of the sacred marriage

The one come forth on high

I will hail

The holy one come forth on high

I will hail

The great queen of heaven

Inanna

I will hail

The pure torch lit in the sky

The heavenly light lighting like day

The great queen of heaven

Inanna

I will hail

The holy one queen awe-laden

Of the Anunnaki

Noblest one in heaven and earth

Crowned with great horns

Oldest child of the moon

Inanna

I will hail

Of her grandeur of her greatness

Of her exceeding nobility

Of her brilliant coming forth

In the evening sky

Of her lighting up the sky

A pure torch

Of her stepping up onto the sky

Like moon and sun

Noted by all lands from south to north

Of the greatness of the holy of heaven

To the young lady I will sing

Ancient images of courtship and love

Dumuzi water jug

Inanna water jug

Wild Bull vase

Inanna

Pottery workshop Part 2

2011-04-28T14:54:00.000+01:00

All the planning and research had to be put into practice, keeping in mind to create an environment suitable for the 7 Autistic students.

Since we did not have a permanent premises resulting to weekly task of setting up for each sessions. It required a drawing plan of workshop set up. Also making sure that we stick to this plan. Creating a familiar environment week in week out, since it’s a known fact autistic people do not like changes. The pottery task were simplified and taught in a form of one to one rather than a group teaching. We also kept in mind that the work is done by the individual student without any assistance from the adult staff. My objective was to learn from the students as much as they learn from me. This process went on for the duration of seven weeks with the final exhibitions of students work and the attendance of parents and staff members to celebrate their achievements.

Pottery Workshop Weekly Set Up

Students Art Work

Exhibition event

Pottery workshop Part 1

2011-03-30T15:08:00.001+01:00

The concept of community art is to facilitate art activities for the local community. Part of my Public Art course was to explore my skills and to carry out art workshop specifically aimed at Autistic children.

My studies and research was located in a very successfully run community center, originally formed by local artist. Over the years it developed to originally designed community building with a medical center, church and various art workshops. The medical clinic referred most of the clients to the community center. Some had severe physical and mental disabilities and were in need of art therapy to enhance their development. It was also open to the local community who had excess to various workshops from ICT room to woodwork and art workshops. It also operated an excellent café, which catered for the visitors and clients.

The public art course was part of placement to explore the various workshops operating in the community center. My task was to work and research within this structure and to formulate an art workshop aimed for people with Autism.

The initial period was a placement in the Community care room, which catered for adults with severe disability. My tasks were to work and research methods and ways best suited for special need clients. Which lead to my association with local community run by parents of Autistic children.

Our task was to find a local community hall and run a pottery workshop once a week for duration of 7 weeks.

Below are selected examples of proposal and plans for the pottery workshop.

Sensory integration dysfunction

· Hyper-or hypo sensitivity of the various senses

· Peculiar clothing and food preferences

· Self-stimulating mannerism

· Fine or gross motor discoordination

Sensory system

There is a great diversity in the skill and behaviour of autistic people. Physicians often arrive at different conclusion. Much of this is due to the sensory system of autistics, which is quite different from the sensory system of other people. Since certain stimulations can affect an autistic person differently than a non-autistic and the degree to which the sensory system is affected varies wildly from one autistic person to another.

They exhibit inability in dealing with normal sensory input. Indicators of this disorder include over sensitivity or under reactivity.

· Touch

· Movement

· Sights

· Sounds

· Physical clumsiness

· Poor body awareness

· Easily distracted

· Impulsive physical and verbal behaviour

· An activity level unusually high or low

· Not unwinding or calming oneself

· Difficulty learning new movement

· Difficulty in making transition from one situation to another

· Social and emotional problems

· Delay in speech

· Language or motor skill

· Specific learning difficulties

· Delay in academic achievement

Repetitive behaviour

They have unusual repetitive motions, known as self-stimulation or stimming. As children, they might spend hours lining up their toy cars & train in a certain way and will get upset if some one disrupts this process.

They often need and demand absolute consistency in their environment. A slight change in any routine can be extremely disturbing.

People with autism sometimes have a persistent, intense preoccupation. For example, the child might be obsessed with learning all about vacuum cleaners, train schedules or lighthouses. Often they show great interest in different languages, numbers, symbols or science topics.

Repetitive behaviours can also extend into the spoken words as well.

Preservation of a single word or phrase, even for a specific number of times can also become a part of child’s daily routine.

Education

Autistic children have trouble understanding what their teacher may be telling them. They do not understand that facial expression and vocal variations hold meanings and may misinterpret what emotion their instructor is displaying. This inability to fully decipher the world around them makes education stressful.

Teachers need to be aware of a student disorder so that they are able to help the student get the best out of the lesson being taught.

The above information is a general description of the spectrum of Autism from the present data. My research and objective was to look at various aspects of art therapy and concept of sensory system and motor skills in relation to autism, as a theoretical template.

Source

(The Handbook of Autism, Autism ‘preparing for adulthood’ and www.wikipidia.org)

Brief outline of pottery workshop

The whole idea of this project is to expose Autistic children to the art of clay.

It was based on intense research and experience in working and living with Autism. Exploring certain aspects of physiotherapy, strength, motor control, stretching and endurance. I also studied the concept of child art, from the basic scribbling, Pre-symbolism, symbolism and realism. Since this basic process, is in essence therapeutic.

Art therapy can be effective way for children to develop and connect with their emotions. Some children with autism have found that drawing can help them to express feeling that they have difficulty expressing otherwise.

Art can help children come to term with their emotions.

Since one of the common factor in Autistic spectrum is the lack of motor and live skills. In term of their sensory and feeling clay is an excellent medium. Since it requires greater motor skill. The whole idea is to find their way and develop their three dimensional skills.

The seven students took an instant liking to clay and were encouraged to construct shapes and forms. In each session, they were shown the basic methods and with supervision they were able to produce work independently. There is a common practice at the present time, where the support work carries out the bulk of the work while the autistic student becomes a spectator and detached from the process.

I made sure such action will not be productive nor will help their development.

So for six weeks they were encouraged to produce their own ideas and to become confident and comfortable with the art of clay.

The results, over eighty ceramic works were produced.

For me this is the way forward to develop their skills and expression.

Background

I have being practicing pottery for the last eight years. Due to my daughter’s Autism and my associations with members of FLAIN, including my wife.

The concept of running a pottery workshop was discussed on many occasions. Due to lack of workshop space and funding the initial idea was suspended.

At present I am a part time student at Bromley by Bow Health centre. My current task deals with Art and disability assignment. Exploring creative work in the community.

My association with Ann Fischer and our recent meeting has made this project possible.

Aims of the Workshop

1) Carry out a pottery workshop based on activities process.

2) Help their motor skills and develop their sensory feeling.

3) Enhance their visual language.

4) Develop their confidence and give them sense of ownership in the work they will be able to produce

5) Encourage their individual abilities and skills

6) Enhance their artistic skills in three dimensional concepts

7) Create an environment of interaction and artistic expression

8) To encourage and develop their individual input.

9) To enjoy the process of artistic expression this is not based on rigid structure but rather an activity workshop.

Workshop

Since we have to construct a pottery workshop from the space in the Salvation Army Hall. I have arranged to meet up with Nick Hanavor to go over finer details on 15^th February. Explore the health and safety aspect; look at the main entrance and to make sure it is well lighten at the start of the session.

From our first visit to the Hall on 23 January. I notice an efficient space with plenty of chairs, tables and mobile display stands, which can be effectively utilized to create an activity space.

The following plan is just an idea, which need to be finalized with Ann Fischer and Nick Hanavor.

Main activities

Week one: Introduction to the students and familiarization with their workshop environment. Using Visual aid and sample of pottery for them to view and touch. Then basic method of pinch pots.

Week two: Applying under glaze design on their pinch pots from available templates or based on their own design ideas. Introduction to clay modeling and setting a collective project for producing clay mobiles.

Week three: Working on mobile project based on a theme and ideas from previous week.

Week four: putting final touch to the mobile project and starting on tile design idea for a final collective project. Using slab methods.

Week five: Finishing the tiles design and introducing them to mould making methods to produce plates and bowls.

Week six: concluding the previous week project and reflecting on their progress and the work they managed to produce.

Visual Aid

This is based on my idea as best way of interacting with the students by creating a visual aid presentation to introducing them to basic idea of pottery.

Examples images of Fire, water and Earth as the main source of ceramic.

Images of various pottery methods.

Photos of various pottery works.

All images displayed on the mobile display stands.

Samples of ceramic work.

Pictograph symbols, to help their communication.

Pottery materials

1) White earthenware clay: excellent low firing clay safe to use and very flexible.

2) Velvet under glaze colors: safe to use and vibrant and consistent glaze. Similar to poster paints.

1) Paper clay slip: Safe and excellent in repairing cracked clay. To erase disappointment to the students who will be able to retrieve their broken objects.

2) Clay wax: for design and stopping glazes in dripping during firing process.

3) Wooden pottery tools: safe to use and very good for joining and clay building.

4) Manufactured white tiles: for the students who may not like the feel of clay. It gives them the chance to explore other ceramic methods.

5) Ceramic enamels: To apply on glazed tiles for the above process.

6) Sponges: for clay modeling and keeping the clay wet.

7) Cling film: For drying and anti wrapping and to keep the clay moist for next session.

8) Buckets: to retain clay waste for future reprocessing.

9) Rolling pins: for slab work.

Art Materials

1) Drawing Pads: for each student to explore their ideas and design for set project

2) Poster paints: for painting and design ideas and for the ones who may not like touching clay.

3) Paint brushes: for poster paints and applying under glazes.

4) Children scissors: For design purposes.

5) Pencils: for drawing.

Other Materials

1) Tissues and small towels

2) Soaps

3) Newspapers

4) Jars

5) White tack

6) Drawing pins

7) Safe knives for clay cutting

8) Bowls

9) Cloth materials

Health and Safety

Legislation

Health & Safety at work Act 1992-European legislation.

Community Care Act

Environment

· Clear floors

· Wipe up spillages immediately

· No hard or dangerous implements/edges

· No toxic materials

· Ensure we know who is present at all times

· Fire hazards eliminated

· Regular fire drills

· Qualified First Aider on hand

Materials

· Non toxic
· Easy to use

First Aid

· All volunteers to train on emergency techniques

· Qualified first aider on hand

· Numbers of emergency services on hand

Staff welfare

· Ensure staff whereabouts at all times

· Ensure they know the evacuation routine and are clear where emergency exist are

   View of center

View of CC Room

There is more to clay than meet the eyes

2011-02-27T21:28:00.000Z

The invention and development of ceramic engineering has added another dimension to the function of clay. As an alternative material to metal, which is vulnerable to moister and water and eventual rust.

Clay is heat resistant and can withstand weather conditions without any deterioration to the biscuit or glazed ceramic.

Ceramic engineering concept is based on creating a non-metallic material to be used in, electrical, chemical and mechanical engineering.

Which is used in wide rang of industries such as mining, aerospace, medicine, refinery, packaging science, electronics, transmission electricity and guided light wave transmission. This invention started in 1960 and 1970 as part of military technology in atomic energy, electronics, communication and space travel.

In 1986 the discovery of Super conductors lead to the development of ceramic part for electronic devices, electric motors and transportations equipment.

Ceramic engines do not require a cooling system and its lighter and
fuel-efficient.

Opening up the possibility for future use of ceramic in manufacturing industry apart from its current status.

example of ceramic inventions

From an artistic perspective it enhance the experiment notion of creativity and expression in modern practice of pottery. Due to clay diversity of functions, it opens possibilities and methods beyond our current perception.

Below are images of influence and impression of Ancient near East. Utilizing clay in expressive terms.

Age of Minimalism

2011-01-25T13:48:00.000Z

It has being a while since I last visited a photographic retail shop. In recent time I come to conclusion using the traditional methods has become tiresome. Finding a reputed photo-processing lab to develop slide films has become an invisible entity and the actual colour negative processing is very poor. The final prints are not up to my requirement.

It seem the age of digital photography has come of age. So I decided to invest in a new digital camera and rest my ever-reliable mechanical single lens cameras to rest.

First candid camera

I was surprise at the newly refurbished retail photographic shop. Gone all the large range of cameras, darkroom equipments and all the accessories that use to fill up the old photographic shop. Instead you have a retail shop with minimal equipment and empty space. No counter but more like a showroom and few staff with limited knowledge of photography.

The age of minimalism is upon us

Future retail shop

Reflecting on my years learning the trade, as photographer is far cry than modern time. All these years of trial and errors marinated with joy and disappointments. To learn to use the camera was not any easy task in comparison to present time.

Camera

It took years to master this process, especially when it comes to colour process, having to think about colour filtrations and colour casts. The time factor could take up to a week or days to accomplish.

Modern digital photography has by pass all these process.

Now all you need is a digital camera, not having to worry about focusing, shutter speed, lens aperture or loading a film to the camera. Memory card has replaced 35mm film.

Lens aperture

Light rays

Camera Obscure

Used by artist for precise sketches for painting of landscapes, buildings and portraits

Just shoot, download the images to your PC and use Photoshop or other image enhancing software’s, to correct your images and then print them out. No darkroom and chemicals to worry about. Also the time factor has being reduced to produce a photo image within hours.

All theses years of hard work has being erased into easy methods.

In matter of fact you don’t need to have in depth knowledge to become a photographer.

I recently met a photography teacher and was alarmed at his limited experience and lack of knowledge of history of photography.

The Photography technique has being drastically altered.

My concern is all those skills needed to become a photographer has diminished. Evolving into a simple task with minimal experience, which in my opinion a limited learning process.

Modern photographer does not need to think about light rays, colour cast, history of photography, type of film speed, the function of lens aperture, shutter speed, type of chemicals and the concept of darkroom.

Photography has become child play in this modern age of minimalism.

Yes I admit it has made my life much easier, when I need to document my ceramic work, and the amazing Photoshop (modern darkroom) ability to transform an ordinary image into an amazing photograph.

With modern digital slide and negative scanner, I now can reproduce images from my slide and negative folders with ease.

Invoking a journey into the old memory lane.

Below are selections of images, done many years ago. They were original B/W negatives and slide films. I was able to scan them and use Photoshop to improve the final print.

A far easier method, than using the old darkroom process.

Enjoy

Link to some of the old masters of photography

http://www.anseladams.com/

http://www.photo-seminars.com/Fame/bresson.htm

http://www.afterimagegallery.com/bresson.htm

http://www.picsearch.com/pictures/artist/bill%20brandt.html

http://www.edward-weston.com/edward_weston.htm

Bird

Building

Canal

Metal building

Old

Sunset

weed

Static Art

2010-12-22T13:45:00.000Z

I have being pondering upon this idea in recent time. The very idea of true moving art, seem rather an absurd notion.

The final art piece is static to be displayed for events and art collectors. Created to convey movement and impression but its physical aspects is motionless.

Then this notion evolves into the physical reality and the artist existence in his 3 dimension world.

My reality is surrounded by static objects and utilities, I am the only moving being the rest of my habitat is solid manufactured objects. This is my indoor reality. When I am out of my enclosure the reality invokes movements and the motion of journey. We are always moving.

Our existence is due the revolving Earth and the elements of the surrounding sun and moon. The rivers and oceans are always moving. The wind an invisible to the eyes but we can feel its force moving, experiencing its passing effects.

Then the element of sun and source of heat and power generator for the invention of trains, automobiles and airplane.

The 3 elements of

Water, Wind and Fire

Convey movement.

Yet we still produce endless static objects.

The only true moving art is theatre and life performance. Followed by Photography, which gave birth to modern cinema. Both convey a film impression of that precise time.

A life like impression of reality but its 2 dimensional concept.

So my thoughts wonder about creating an art in motion.

How?

When?

Is it possible?

Or it’s just a manifestation of scattered mind?

Examples of images in motion captured by a digital Camera

No Strings attached

2010-11-30T13:11:00.000Z

Contour/ bottle

Contour/Bottle 2

Contour/ bowl

Contour/ bowl 2

IMPRESSION OF A STRING

Illuminated by candle light

Manifestations of scattered past

2010-10-31T16:21:00.002Z

The last 3 years has being an experimental period inspired by Marcel Duchamp, Arte Povera and Max Stirner.

It gets to a point where the artist steps beyond his spectrum and into another level.

The process is an important part of my practice and the last few years my work has reached the stages beyond pottery.

An impression of Sumerian Ram

(paper clay and recycle materials)

Soapstone sculpture

Soap stone sculpture 2

Solider

(Fired clay and metal)

Self-portrait

(Strings and black ink)

Super Boy

(recycle items mounted on paper canvas)

Kiss

(Stone and fired clay)

Voluptuous one

(tree bark mounted on canvas board)

An abstract way of seeing things

(acrylic paint and fired clay mounted on canvas board)

Angry child

(sea shells,fired clay and metal mounted on framed canvas)

A dysfunctional ceramic object

(fired clay)

Family

(stones mounted on painted and framed wood)

Griffin

(fired clay,plastic,metal and seashells)

A brief impression of a Caribbean island

(paper clay,stones,dry leave and tree bark)

Nude

(sand and inks on canvas sheet)

Nude 2

(sand and inks on canvas sheet)

Beyond Pottery

Water

it's time of the year

Eat, drink and be merry. Ah the joy of life

Shortest day longest night

Wind

Fire

Dumuzi’s flight

Get up come along

The lad lifted his hands heavenward to Utu

Come let us go to Durbidalla

Twining varicolored cords for him

Was clapping manacles on his hands

Was pinioning his arms in a shackle

My husband songs the north wind will have to sing them

I Ninsuna mother of the young shepherd

The mother in the desert O what loss has she suffered

Dumuzi Dream

Rushes rose up for you, rushes grew up for you

Bandits will rise up from ambush at you

A lone reed was shaking the head in grief for you

The mother who bore you will shake the head in grief for you

Of twin reed one was removed for you

You will be taken away from me

In the forest a tall tree was uprooted for you all by itself

On your pure embers water was poured in your presence

The fold will quite down for you into a silent house

The owner marks of your pure churns has been removed

An evildoer will take them over into his hands

Your pure cups that hang on pegs had been taken down from the pegs

You are about to fall from the knees of the mother who bore you

An owl had caught a lamb on the sheepcote

An evildoer will smite your cheek

A falcon had caught a sparrow in the reeds of the fence

The churns lay on their side poured out no milk, the cups lay on their sides

The winds only swept the fold

A manacler will manacle your hands a pinioner will pinion you

Your bucks and goats were dragging their lapis lazuli beards in the dust

My hair will be flying around in the sky above you like a flood storm

Your rams were raking the ground with their big horns

My fingers like a comb of boxwood will be clawing my cheeks for you

Inanna's descent to the netherworld

Narrow definition of pottery

Courtship of Inanna and Dumuzi

Yearly rite of the sacred marriage

Pottery workshop Part 2

All the planning and research had to be put into practice, keeping in mind to create an environment suitable for the 7 Autistic students.

Pottery Workshop Weekly Set Up

Pottery workshop Part 1

Brief outline of pottery workshop

Legislation

Materials

· Non toxic· Easy to use

First Aid

Staff welfare

There is more to clay than meet the eyes

Age of Minimalism

Static Art

No Strings attached

Manifestations of scattered past

· Non toxic
· Easy to use