Details, Details, Details

“The detail is related to the whole”

WTF is that supposed to mean? More cryptic nonsense without any explanation what-so-ever?
The details need to be in service to the whole. 

Taken individually, a single detail shouldn’t be the focus, but should add to the larger design. It’s not a hard rule, but…
It’s not enough that a foot rim is beautiful if the bottom it too thick, the balance is off, or the lip is too fat. What’s good is a great design if the fired surface sucks? 
When created with intention, all the small, indiosicratic details are meant to be brought together, relating in sympathy in order achieve a sense of a whole.