It was well worth the effort to get up and out early, Le Meridian sent us off with bagged breakfasts and Egypt Air also provided breakfast, so we ate well that morning!
By mid morning we were heading to the High Dam in Aswan.
The High Dam was completed in 1971, it was the vision of Gamal Abd al-Nasser, Egypt's second President and first ethnic Egyptian to rule Egypt since ancient times. Nasser's goal for Egypt's modernization led to construction of the High Dam at Aswan. The power generated would support both Egypt's industrial growth and it's well established farming industry. England and the United States were unresponsive in offering the help Egypt needed, therefore Nasser forged a relationship with the former USSR for support with Egypt's plan toward industrialization (Zayan 37-38).
Following are pictures from the High Dam, it's gardens and views from both sides.
When we first got off of the bus at the High Dam our group began to walk out over the dam. We were soon overcome by a soldier who made it very clear that we were not to walk there. After a few tense moments, we backed into the shade and Mahmoud told us about the dam from that spot. After the talk we were allowed to cross the street to look out over the southern side and then back across to the park and the northern side.
These lanterns are so fun to make! They have a working drawer in the front which is filled with a bees wax candle. They body of the lantern is composed of altered slabs, appliqué, scrafito and incised stoneware. I love the relatively simple form in combination with all the action. No two could ever possibly be the same!
Pieces I made for the Ceramics Guild at Lexington Arts & Crafts Society's annual exhibit titled "Bring it to the Table." When thinking about this title I couldn't help but consider the symbolism of the table, our family dinners. From there my mind turned to all the conversations which we should be having, but due to social convention we tend to avoid. I wonder what our world would look like if while sitting at the table we began to have these discussions. If we could speak openly and freely about things such as poverty and abuse. From these thoughts came the following works, most of which are exhibited in "Bring it to the Table."
. It boasts both naked (no glaze) and multiple overlapping glazes including a lovely copper glaze at the neck of the bottle.
