Dave Clay Pot

As implied by the title the story is about a potter who lived as a slave. Historians believe he was born around 1801, and lived through the civil war and emancipation, until about 1862. After the civil war, like many other former slaves Dave chose his last name. Historians believe he chose the last name Drake to honor his former master, as they believe his former master taught Dave to read and write, breaking the law. His artistry is evidenced by the beauty of the surviving pieces that he created. His skill as a potter is evidenced by the way that he was able to create pottery that has endured for hundreds of years. He was also one of two potters who were able to create pots that held 40+ gallons. This is an incredible feat, more so when you realize that they …show more content…
These skills were considered dangerous for a slave to have as they might get ideas above their station. The illustrations were created with watercolor/collage. The images capture joy in Dave’s eyes as he creates and writes poems on his pots. There is a fold-out page which creates a three panel image of Dave, showing the progression of a clay pot he is working as the clay responds to his pressure, and it feels as though the clay is embracing Dave’s touch and molding. The image is coupled with this couplet, “like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, Dave’s hands, buried in the mounded mud, pulled out the shape of a jar.” (1) This brings to mind the idea that a sculptor sees the sculpture that already resides within the chunk of marble, or block of wood, and just strip away all the external, unnecessary parts until the sculpture is free. Dave does this with the clay, shaping and molding it into a useful vessel. They also evoke a measure of mischievousness, as he writes the poems on his work. The language of his poems are longing, and playful. “I wonder where is all my relation, friendship to all, and every nation. 08/16/1857” The images evoke passion, and joy, and

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