Reasons to Buy Handmade Pottery: Andrew Linderman

About Andrew:
"I live in Milwaukee, WI. My wife and I foster rescue dogs, and I am a former high school chemistry teacher turned full-time potter."
 
Do you collect handmade pottery?
"We fairly respectable collection of over 100 handmade pieces of pottery/ceramics; the majority of which are functional and get used on a daily basis."
 
Why do you buy handmade pottery?
     "Handmade pottery is, at the simplest, artwork for daily living. As a collector and maker I believe that incorporating handmade objects into our routines enriches our lives in both perceptible and intangible ways.
     I have a very fond memory of eating ice cream with my Grandpa when I was a small child. When I would get to the bottom of my Praline-Pecan ice cream I would start to scrape at the last morsels of vanilla and caramel lingering in the bowl to reveal the rooster decoration painted in the bottom. My Grandpa would always say, "Quit scraping like that, you'll scratch the rooster right off the plate!". I would argue, completely missing the point, that I could scratch the rooster off. Food memories with family and friends are some of the best memories I have. In this instance, and others, I can distinctly remember the ceramic dishes on which the food was served. 
     Less tangibly, the love, care, and effort that the maker has poured into the ware also enhances the user experience. I drink a cup (at least!) of coffee every morning and using handcrafted mugs make the coffee taste better. Not the actual flavor, but the experience of drinking the coffee, reflecting on the day to come, is greatly enriched. When I think about holidays or family meals, it makes sense that body-nourishing food that was prepared with care ought to also be served on vessels that are soul-nourishing.
      I buy handmade pottery because it makes the menial and mundane moments in life more ritualistic, meditative and enjoyable. I buy handmade pottery because it makes the special and cherished occasions in life more memorable and nourishing."
 
How did you acquire a Lisa York piece of pottery?
"I first met Lisa in person at the Minneapolis NCECA and purchase a triangular bowl from her at The Room Show."
 
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​Learn more about Andrew on Instagram, Facebook and online at www.lindermanpottery.com.

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