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Great Pottery Throw Down 2021 - The Final


A massive well done to Jodie and probably in the end a deserving winner. But I felt that it was good that all three finalists did a great final make. They put their all into it and this time no cracks, and no botched anything, just great pieces by all three.

It must have been a difficult decision for the judges. Adam was on thin ice because his decanters seemed precarious and because he decided to not go with the bright Clarice Cliffe colours. Personally I was never that much of a CC fan but it must have been a breath of fresh air at the time, a bit like getting those Victorian corsets off. I did write an essay about her while at art school and it was interesting to read about her life and achievements which were particularly impressive given her background and sex.

great pottery throwdown 2021 - Adam's decanters

So with Adam eliminated, it could have gone either way. Peter's journey in Throw Down was a remarkable one. Never really a star, he was like the tortoise in Aesop's fable of the tortoise and the hare, with his dogged determination getting him all the way to the final. He blossomed in the course of the competition with his skills and creativity gradually growing.

great pottery throwdown 2021 - Peter's decanters

But Jodi is the one. Apart from the basin and pedestal challenge, which we are sweeping under the carpet, she has generally put in performances always towards the top of the group. She came across as a really lovely person, and undoubtedly had the best accent. In spite of her talent she spoke of this win as helping with her confidence . . . isn't it strange that people so often lack confidence when they have so much talent. Conversely people sometimes have so much confidence with no real cause. Such is life and the wonder of human beings.

great pottery throwdown 2021 - Jodie's decanters

A great end to a great competition. Keith was wonderfully tearful as always, our competitors struggled and wrestled with nigh on impossible tasks and ultimately our victor emerged.

It's the hero's journey . . . and a microcosm of life itself.

Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you enjoyed the Throw Down as much as I did.