Reflections of China

Photographs by April Gordon

April Gordon is a multi talented person who is my sister-in-law. She is a professor of sociology and women's studies, she writes books on African politics, throws fantastic pots, grows a wonderful garden, raised two fine boys, and is a fantastic cook.

We share exactly the same birthday, month, day, and year. I told my brother it was his Karma! April and my nephew, Jared, went to China a couple of years ago with a university trip organized by Furman University. (Greenville South Carolina)

It was an extensive trip traveling all the way across China to Mongolia. I thought you would enjoy these photos. April takes wonderful shots and this is only a small sampling. As China grows towards the future, I hope it will hold close to its arts of the past as they are are so masterful and exquisite.

I particularly love the portrait of this man below. I am going to guess this Mongolia. In this man's there is such wonderful character, it is as if a wonderful portrait painting.

The Art of Cooperation/A Joint Venture

Working with another artist can be an interesting and fun thing to do. Sometimes it brings out a side of yourself that might not happen if it weren't for the influence of the other artist. My sister in law, April Gordon, is a wonderful potter. She is also a professor of sociology and author's books on African studies and politics. We happen to share the same birth day, birth year and birth month! She is a wonderful person! She can throw large and beautiful pots. I do not throw anymore due to arthritis in my hands. But I can glaze and decorate!

April visited recently and was a guest at my clay class. Mouths flew open and jaws dropped as she threw one pot right after another. She left me with bowls to trim and decorate.

So I dipped and glazed. I then took black slip and

thought of Japanese ceramics, which I love. Someday I would love to go to Japan and visit every pottery town and village! Also I would love to go to the mountains where the snow monkeys and hot springs are!

Thank you April, next time we will try adding photo images Sister.