If you’re into woodfiring…

Craft Australia has just published (online) a few articles written about the recent Sturt Woodfire 2008 conference.
There’s articles by John Freeland, Janet Mansfeild,Megan Patey,and the ever so lovely Avi Amesbury (of Avicam).

Also check out these sites for more woodfiring info:
The Log Book which lists upcoming international woodfiring events. Check out the upcoming events in Hungary, Tennessee, and England to name a few…
or check out Sidestoke for a range of interesting articles about kilns – make sure you have some time on your hands for this one!
Or look here for a links page.

Beyond the Brickyard – International call for entry

First Annual juried competition presented by the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts.
Juror: Patti Warashina
Deadline August 15th 2008
Exhibition in January 2009.

For more info and downloable application form check out the Bray’s website.

Don’t forget to check out their residency opportunities and summer workshops as well, taught by Donovan Palmquist, Takamori & Weiser, Josh DeWeese, McConnell & Sormin, Ron Meyers and Patti Warashina.

Ceramic lecture – Relational Ceramics

The North- West Ceramics Foundation is hosting a public lecture by Amy Gogarty on the subject of Relational Ceramics.

If you’re unsure about what exactly that is read the following from the press release:

““Relational Aesthetics,” a concept developed by French curator Nicholas Bourriaud, has created frisson in the art world through its linking to a series of exhibitions that stress participation, interactivity and “event” over residue or artifact. Asserting that “all works of art produce models of sociability,” Bourriaud evaluates artworks “on the basis of the inter-human relations they represent, produce or prompt.” While generally considered “outside” the exalted circle of fine art, functional ceramics generate exemplary models of sociability; which by their nature “prompt” inter-human relations. Functional ceramics resist exhibition on plinths in the “white cube” of the gallery; instead, they operate performatively in rituals of eating, drinking and commensal exchange. My presentation will examine functional ceramics in light of relational aesthetics, using primarily contemporary Canadian examples. Examining ways in which functional ceramics perform rather than how they look or how they are made reveals surprising continuities between ceramics and other forms of contemporary visual art practice.”

I’ve had the opportunity to hear Amy speak twice now and she’s fantastic! Well worth it.

Check it out:
Thursday, June 12, 2008
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Emily Carr University, North Building room 245
1399 Johnston St
Vancouver, BC