The Mud-Pie Dilemma: A Master Potter's Struggle to Make Art and Ends Meet

by John Edwards Nance

The universal dream of doing work you love and earning a living at it forms the heart of this new edition of a book that has become a favorite of many potters. This fresh account of The Mud-Pie Dilemma updates by 25 years the classic story of Tom and Elaine Coleman and their struggles to create a successful, loving marriage and family while master potter Tom seeks to realize his extraordinary potential as a ceramic artist. The first edition of this book ended with them achieving high artistic and critical success, and low financial rewards. This new edition extends their story from 1977 to 2002, from a farmhouse and studio in Canby, Oregon, to a house with swimming pool and studio in the desert outside Las Vegas, Nevada. A new chapter documents how their lives and work have changed and grown over a quarter-century, and 75 new photographs show the dazzling results. Tom’s work achieves new heights of artistry and recognition, and Elaine emerges as a notable artist in her own right. The Mud-Pie Dilemma also provides inside information about the craft and art of working in clay–including recipes and tips for 40 of Tom’s much-praised glazes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art

217 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1978

About the author

John Edwards Nance (December 19, 1935 - March 9, 2010) was a writer, journalist, and photographer, most famous for his work on the Tasaday people of the Philippines.

Nance was a journalist with the Associated Press, reporting from Vietnam (1965-1967) and elsewhere, including as the AP Bureau Chief for Manila.

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful look into the life of two of the most well known artists in the potting world. Shows the competitiveness of the potting profession and just how hard it is to make it even when the art itself is phenomenal. My favorite aspect of the book is how John Nance (author) captured the human side of the Colemans and the frustrations and struggles of making and selling art.