Happy New Year from Ghost Ranch

I REALLY MISS GHOST RANCH IRMGR - Bringing Ghost Ranch to You

Dear Friend, We are grateful to Diane Arenberg for the reflections she shared with us. Diane is a current instructor, former board member, longtime Ghost Ranch friend and supporter. Recently, I was privileged to see the contents of a box of artifacts from a fire which destroyed the headquarters at Ghost Ranch in 1983. Carefully, I unwrapped an object from its dated newspaper swaddle and marveled the beauty of a simple glazed stoneware pitcher, once used for communion. No longer useful for its intended purpose, the vessel was wrapped, set in a brown box, labeled, and stored for 37 years.

Credit: Diane Arenberg, Wabi Sabi 2020

I could not get the pitcher out of my head so I asked to borrow it. An avid potter in my college days, I felt the need to spend some time with this rugged creature. My wish was granted and the pot was hand delivered to me! It was made in 1967: the birthdate is inscribed on the bottom as well as other markings no longer decipherable. It's not large, no more than 8 inches tall. What’s immediately evident is the fire got hot enough to return the glaze to a molten state in some areas while other parts went unscathed. There is ash stuck to the once liquified area, as well as beautiful flashes of orange, burgundy, and black from the "second glaze firing." The contrast of smooth areas with newly reticulated ones and fiery hot tones set against turquoise are truly beautiful from an artistic perspective. While some might look at this and wonder why it wasn't tossed in the dumpster, some sensitive person saw loveliness in its altered state and rescued it. December 31, 2020 is a timely re-emergence for this piece: it's a vessel for Humanity. We have been put to the fire this year and not a person on our planet is unchanged: we are emptied out and our collective losses are immeasurable. Now, as the world escapes the crucible of 2020, I’m going to look at the hope this pitcher offers and take some time to mourn loved ones who have passed, recognize the beauty in my own and others' imperfections, and anticipate the promise of replenishment in 2021. For Auld Lang Syne... Diane Arenberg

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The National Ghost Ranch Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and our tax identification number is 23-7188767. To reduce excess mailings we send our sustaining supporters a summary of their annual giving and complete tax acknowledgment at the end of each calendar year.