Rupert Spira, a talented potter and author, discusses his artistic journey and evolution from creating clay pottery to expressing his thoughts through words. Joined by Jenny Beal, they explore the deep emotional connections potters have with their work and the transformative experience of surrender during life's challenges. Rupert reflects on his dual pursuit of beauty and truth in art and spirituality, as well as the pivotal moments that shaped his artistic style, including mentorship and personal growth. Together, they celebrate the unique journey of creative transformation.
Rupert Spira's transition from a scientific career to pottery highlights the transformative power of art and personal passion.
The mentorship experience with Michael Cardew taught valuable life lessons in resilience, humility, and the complexities of craftsmanship.
A devastating fire in the workshop prompted a profound reflection on peace and surrender, reshaping the speaker's perspective on art and life.
Deep dives
Initial Ceramics Interest and Influences
The speaker's journey into ceramics began during their teenage years, driven by a growing disillusionment with a scientific career. Introduced to Rumi's poetry and moved by a retrospective of Michael Cardew, a significant figure in British studio pottery, the speaker felt an immediate connection to the rawness and vitality of Cardew's work. This visceral experience in the Camden Art Centre ignited a passion for pottery, prompting a shift from a focus on science to the arts. The combination of spiritual exploration through poetry and the influence of prominent pottery figures set the foundation for a new path in life centered around ceramics.
Apprenticeship with Michael Cardew
After pursuing formal art education, the speaker reached out to Michael Cardew, who invited them to help with a firing at his studio. This unexpected invitation blossomed into a two-year apprenticeship, where the speaker learned both technique and the complexities of character while working alongside Cardew. The mentorship was intense and humbling, as the speaker faced challenges during various pottery processes, some of which led to significant mistakes that tested their composure. Cardew's unpredictable temperament alternated between gentleness and ferocity, offering lessons on resilience, humility, and the deeper meanings behind the craft.
Artistic Evolution and Personal Expression
Upon establishing their own pottery studio, the speaker began to explore new techniques and styles while still influenced by Cardew's methods. However, as time passed, their work naturally began to evolve, reflecting individual character and deeper personal insights. This creative growth was marked by a gradual shift from heavier, earthy forms to more refined and minimalist expressions in pottery. The integration of their spiritual journey into their art led to an exploration of non-dualistic themes, paralleling the changes observed in their ceramic works.
Transition to Writing and Teaching
The speaker's artistic journey took another turn when they began writing and eventually teaching, motivated by an internal drive rather than a planned decision. As speaking engagements and literary opportunities emerged, the duality of creating physical art and verbally conveying experiences enriched their life and work. The connection between truth and beauty became clearer, emphasizing that their love for each was intrinsically linked and could co-exist harmoniously. This seamless transition from traditional pottery to a focus on language reflects the speaker's passion to express profound ideas and share insights regarding non-duality.
The Impact of Life Events on Creative Journey
A significant event, such as a catastrophic fire that consumed their workshop, catalyzed a profound moment of reflection in the speaker's life. Surprisingly, amidst the chaos, the speaker experienced a deep sense of peace, culminating from surrendering the need to control the outcome. This unexpected clarity and tranquility shaped their perspective on life and art, despite the challenges ahead. Ultimately, the repair and rebuilding of their studio became a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of embracing change.
In this episode Rupert Spira talks to Jenny Beal about his work as a potter, and the evolution into his current activity, with Rupert making the transition from the form of clay to the form of words.
If you’d like to explore these themes further, Rupert’s book A Meditation on I Am (2021) features the poem Rupert engraved onto large bowls. The book also includes a short afterword, 'Bowls out of Words’.
We hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe if you would like to be notified whenever new episodes are available. If you would like to find out more about events, publications, and Rupert's archive of recordings, please visit rupertspira.com
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