Mike Dodd: 'Potter' short film into his life and work

Goldmark's film provides a unique insight into the working life of Mike Dodd, one of Britain's most prestigious potters.

He lives and works in the beautifully rural surroundings of Glastonbury, Somerset. Dodd discusses his love of pots and shares some of his personal philosophies. Talks about the importance of using local materials and hand made tools in the making of his work. Watch him unpack his kiln and throw a large textured vase on his kick wheel.

Biography - Mike Dodd was born in 1943 in Sutton, Surrey. While in the village of Corfe Castle, on his way to a teashop with his parents, the young Dodd spotted a potter at work. He stopped, mesmerised by what he saw. The image of that potter burnt itself into my mind, and according to my mother's later account I bored them rigid, talking excitedly about everything this white coated magician had done.

Dodd is a vegan with a strong commitment to animal welfare, conservation and environmental issues. He has held workshops at Landshut College for Ceramics in Germany and the Golden Bridge Pottery in Pondicherry, India. He has exhibited extensively throughout the UK and his work is held in collections at the V&A, British Crafts Council and Ulster Museum, Belfast.

What is Goldmark?

[greenness]

Your words about the art form and non-violence to sentient beings are both poetic and connected. Practising an ancient art form speaks to the soul.

[robertbush]

I thank you for these wonderful biographies on ceramic artist. Long over due acclaim for often ignored talents.

[Aina-lmw]

Those potters are so wise, truly inspiring and it affects my way of thinking. I would love to buy one of his tea jars and his vases are incredibly beautiful too.

[gabrieldafonseca]

Beautiful video, and wonderful ending. Thanks for producing it, and thanks Mike Dodd!

[CHASE]

I love that artists just go on and on and on even about the simplest things.

[rutilopata]

Absolutely touching and inspiring! loved every word, thought and pot🕊🌸💫💐🦋

[morganolfursson]

Don't mind the photo on this account this is my husband's, i am actually Japanese.
What he said about Japan is absolutely not true. We do not buy a 800 pounds (100 000 Yen) pot . Some people may buy an antique because they are collectors or because they can afford it (as they already have everything else they need so they can buy things they want). But no Japanese would ever buy a pot rather than a sofa or a suite . We know our priorities. Yes in traditional houses (tatami mat room) sofa or 3 piece suites are not convenient and rarely bought because it would damage the mats, but most houses in Japan are in western style today, and sofas or suites are part of the interior, far more than pots are.
Some tea ceremony or flower arranging masters or teachers may buy a tea bowl for 2000 pounds or a tea container for 5000 pounds because it was made by a famous artist or used by a renowned tea master, but these people represent less than 0, 1% of the Japanese population. Most of us can not afford a 5000 pounds tea container or a 30 000 pounds bamboo tea scoop. These are works of art reserved for the elite and the super rich. A 800 pounds pot will never be bought in Japan over something necessary like a sofa.
People really have to stop having these crazy ideas about Japan or Japanese. Most of us don't give a damn about pottery, we are too busy working and trying to make money to keep a roof over our heads and food in our plate, and way too tired after a 10 hours day work to even care about pots.

[tolykozin]

THe level of sensitivity is somehow enhanced when you are a vegetarian, and that is quite apparent in your approach towards the natural materials of your environment that you use in your work. May He bless you many!

[janecollette]

Thank you for sharing this film with us. I really enjoyed watching the whole process of creating such a lovely useful form. I also learned a great deal, and feel a deeper understanding about my craft.

[TariHuffaker]

you gave me an ah-ha moment...In-spire!!! I love the visual you gave ... thanks so much, Mike. I also love your thinking on the marking...the marks...what means something.

[stickermigtigger]

That's why I don't make tea pots; too damn many rules. :-)

[chriswatson]

It is possible to kill a cow or a sheep instantly, but millions of mice are poisoned in grain silos every year. Poisoning is a slow cruel death, leaving their babies to die of thirst. Vegans are vicious killers. Just because you don't eat the animals, doesn't mean that you aren't responsible for their deaths.

[Dmitry_Matusevich]

Красивые работы но...! Глину Майк Дод копает явно на Марсе!) Заходил на сайт с его работами - блюдо 71см. на 72см. стоит £1, 950! Охренеть!
Nice work but ...! Mike Dodd is obviously digging clay on Mars!) I went to the site with his works - a 71cm dish. by 72cm. worth £ 1, 950! What the fuck?