=======================================================FRI NOV 12, 1993 15.32.21 Friends, The passion expressed over the past few days has both entertained and i nfuriated me. Of course some silent films are brilliant, universal works of art. . .but, to contend that there have been no significant developments in the movies since Jolson opened his mouth reminds me of those who contend that English language literature has not progressed since Shakespeare (or whoever he/she was). And, this was sent to me by a potter friend this morning, and I thought I'd pass it along to you. He received it from CLAYART-L. --------------------------- Original Message --------------------------- One of the best time I ever had with a group of elementary students involved bringing about #400 of scrap clay to our meeting place - the lawn of a college campus. Choosing a sturdy crabapple tree, I backed my pickup under it, with the clay under a plastic tarp on the tailgate. Our objective was to smear clay all over this tree until the trunk and main brabches were covered. In the process, birds' nests appeared made from clay and grass- clippings, then a bird family sat in the nest, and a big snake slithered up the trunk, eyeing the birds. Other animals appeared: A piece of rope tied to a branch supported an oppossum, and more string tied here and there bacame a spider's web - covered with clay, of course. We posed for photos and went on with our lives. It was a splendid afternoon. I came back in a couple of days to pick up the dry clay, which had fallen off the tree. Two rains later our memories and the photos were the only reminders of our project. The clay got recycled as wadding, I believe, because\ it had little twigs and other kid-oriented detritus in it. Jack Troy (Potter who sent this to CLAYART). Rustin Greene Communications Department University of Tennessee Martin [log in to unmask]