Useful Pots

I came upon the owner, David Wheeler, at his pottery stand at the farmer’s market in Pacific Palisades last Sunday
and was immediately struck by the clean simplicity yet obvious quality of his designs.
As I was looking over his variety of wares, (plates, pots, bowls, cups and vases) I chatted with him and asked him questions as to his technique. One of the things I learned is because his pottery is a bit thicker and he heats the objects to 2400 Fahrenheit, 300 degrees more than commercial kilns do, his creations are thus stronger and less breakable than what you would buy in stores.
Looking at his choices in shapes, glazing and colors, I recognized influence and inspiration from Japanese raku to American crafstman styles, with an unmistakable personal originality. Situated in the back of his stand I saw the words «Utility is the first principle of Beauty» by Yanagi Soetsu. David explained to me that this person founded the Mingei craft movement in Japan in the 1920’s in recognition of the havocs that industrialization was wreaking on the production of local artisans.
David also does commissions and seems to exemplify the philosophy expressed by Soetsu. He only shows once a week Sunday at this farmer’s market, otherwise he can be reached at his studio. His prices are reasonable compared with local artisan rates and his wares are top quality. He takes cash, check or trust! Should you be out of the first two, he gives you an addressed, stamped envelope and you mail him a check later! Who does that?
I will enjoy my soup bowl purchase for a long time to come. And probably more items as well.