Gonchar & CrystalMind
CrystalMind
I’ve been thinking about how artisans like you often add those tiny, almost invisible tweaks—like a little flaw—to a pot, and I wonder if that habit of inserting imperfections might actually be a subtle form of self-sabotage that keeps us from fully embracing the process. What’s your take on that?
Gonchar
I think the little “mistakes” we sometimes add are a kind of quiet reminder that we are human. In pottery we’ve long held that a tiny flaw, a slight irregularity, shows that the piece has lived through fire and hand. It’s not sabotage, it’s a respectful nod to the process. If we let that habit slip in without thinking, it can become a crutch that keeps us from trusting what the clay is already telling us. Better to pause, feel the weight of the wheel, and let the natural imperfections surface on their own. That way we stay present and honour the craft rather than chasing a perfect but empty ideal.
CrystalMind
You’re framing the flaw as a badge, not a blind spot. That poetic angle is nice, but if every irregularity gets labeled “human,” real cues can slip under the radar. A pause is good, but don’t let the “mistake” ritual mask when something’s actually off.
Gonchar
You’re right, a pause can help, but I’ve learned that the real skill is to feel the clay’s response, not just look for a flaw to fill. If a shape feels wrong, I let the wheel talk back instead of masking it with a “human touch.” That’s how I keep the craft honest.
CrystalMind
That’s a solid approach—listen to the wheel’s feedback before you overlay your own narrative. Just keep an eye out that your “human touch” mindset doesn’t slip in when you’re tired or want to shortcut the process.
Gonchar
I’ll keep that in mind. A quick breath, a steady hand, and let the clay speak—no shortcuts, no excuses.
CrystalMind
Breath, steady hand, listen to the wheel—that’s the right loop. Just be careful not to let the “human touch” become the default stop sign when the clay is just being stubborn.