Ways to Sign
Jenny Dowd
I make a variety of work, part of that variety is reflected in the details of my signature. This might seem an odd thing to highlight, but I had an exchange once that I still wonder about.
Several years ago, during an art fair, a person came into my booth which was filled with pottery made by me and Sam. Each piece that was picked up and turned over brought a shake of the head. Eventually they told me that I should be using a stamp to sign my name and informed me that they never purchased pottery unless the potter used a stamp as this was a sign of a true professional. After mentioning that they wanted to purchase my work but just couldn’t because I chose to sign my name, they huffed away and I stammered out a strangely cheery “Thanks for coming by!”
Since that exchange I have considered my signature a little more. I did actually try to make a stamp, but just couldn’t settle on what it should be.
Many years ago Sam pointed out that I was misspelling my name on my pots. Sometimes the 2 n’s would run into each other and turn into a long m… so without my eyes noticing, I suppose my hand just adapted and Jenny turned into Jeny. (I just tell the n’s to work it out, as long as one is there to hold down the name the other is free to make mischief, take a nap, run errands…)
In the end I’ve dug in to signing my name, no mater the material. This is in line with what I teach to my students - a clear marking. Name, initials, drawing, whatever, just make it clear and consistent.
The signature that I have landed on is something that reflects the decoration on the form. I use several decoration techniques: sgraffito, inlay, carving, underglaze pencil, sometimes I add an extra little design or decal (the watermelon.) In the end I’m trying not to spend too much time on the bottom of the pot but also trying to give it a special feel.
The frustration from my potential customer did not shake me. It made me think but has added confidence to my style. (Obviously they didn’t like my work that much!)
