Facilities Have Nothing To Do With It

I often hear folks complain about our facilities. Heck even I do sometimes. But it is important to remember that sometimes facilities have nothing to do with it. This photo is of an Afghan potter in the town of Herat. The photo is by journalist and photographer Fraidoon Pooya. Herat has been a hotbed of activity during the war, but in the past had been known for it's artists and cultural treasures.

I love this image mainly because of the impact of its parts; the two huge lugs of raw clay waiting to be thrown, the horrible working conditions, poor lighting, it almost looks like he is working in a cave. Yet in the center of it all is the man working on his pots, a graceful large bowl, spins from his hands. And you know from everything else in the picture that the still has a ton of work to do. He probably doesn't even have much of a choice as he must do this to feed his family. So when ever you feel like complaining, remember this image and be grateful that you can work on your pottery in such a pleasant space without you or your family's lives depending on it.