the politics of innocent dreams

Ahh yesturday was another lovely craft sale day for me. An awesome day of being out of the isolated studio and interacting with the amazing community here in Saskatoon that supports handmade art. Nothing like a day of chatting and seeing some great art by other local artisans to get the inspiration and drive going. Brought home some sweet goodies to top it off!

Thanks to all that made it out.


And I also have a bit of news, well maybe I’ve mentioned it before, I’ve got an upcoming show here in Saskatoon at the Mendel Art Gallery. It’s part of their Artist to Artist program so I’m actually working with a mentor on this body of work; a painter, Marsha Kennedy who I exhibited with last March. Things are coming along nicely, I think. I know I’ve been slack about posting studio sneak peeks. I’ll try to take some pictures in the next few days.

Later today I’ll be having a studio visit with Marsha so i’m pretty excited to hear what she has to say. I’m a sucker for a good critique. I hope she draws a bit of blood from me. I hope that I end the crit stressed and a bit beaten down. Cuz it’s always good to be challenged, and once you’re out of school that just doesn’t seem to happen as much. Don’t get me wrong, pats on the back and compliments are lovely and desired, but good honest feedback is hard to come by and it’s how we grow and challenge ourselves.

Well wish me luck. Another strong cup of tea I believe is in order to get my brain ready for all the art speak.

In the meantime please check out the Mendel website for more info about the show.

Upcoming Grant deadline: Virginia A. Groot Foundation

Aquifer by Adrian Arleo

Grant information

Purpose

The Virginia A. Groot Foundation established the Virginia A. Groot Foundation Grant in 1988 so that a ceramic sculpture or sculpture artist may have the opportunity to devote a substantial period of time to the development of his or her work.

Eligibility

Each year the Virginia A. Groot Foundation offers three grants (up to $35,000, $10,000, $5,000) to artists who have exceptional talent and demonstrated ability in ceramic sculpture or sculpture. Artists may be at any stage of career development, from emerging through mature. Applicants must be 21 years or older at the time of the application deadline. Students enrolled in or attending, either full-time or part-time, any institution of higher learning are not eligible. Work completed as a student is not eligible. Teachers are eligible if their program plan is for their development as artists rather than as teachers. The grant is not for the support of continued academic training.

When & How to Apply

Applications must be typed or neatly printed on the enclosed form and be postmarked by March 1st, 2011. Any application received after that date will not be considered for a grant. DO NOT reduce the type size, submit extra pages, resumes, reviews or any support materials that are not required.

Support Materials

Applicants must submit up to 20 images of their work along with the application form. 35-mm slides or CDs will be accepted as evidence of artistic achievement. Slides must be submitted in a flat, transparent slide page. Each slide must be labeled with the applicant’s name, an arrow indicating the top of the slide and numbered. Accompanying the slide should be a typed or neatly printed sheet which corresponds with the numbered slides. For each slide, the following information should be given: Title, Medium, Size and Date completed. For CDs, each digital image file must be saved as a JPEG at a resolution of 72 dpi and must be no bigger than 600 pixels in the longest direction. Make a corresponding inventory sheet that indicates Title, Medium, Size and Date completed. Label each disc with your name, address and phone number. All application materials become the property of the Virginia A. Groot Foundation. Applicants who wish to have their slides returned after notification of the grant must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The foundation, while taking all reasonable care, cannot be held responsible for loss or damage of support materials submitted.

Selection

The grant winner will be determined primarily by the quality of work submitted and, secondarily, on the information in the application form. The grant recipient will be notified by letter by May 1st, 2011 and will have two weeks from the receipt of the letter to accept the grant.
For grant application and more information please visit their website.

Artist of the Day: Lyn Cole


I have explored creativity in all its forms for as long as I can remember. For a long time I have taught painting and drawing to adults and children through schools, community centres, training organizations & my home based studio. I have had a great experience for the past few years studying ceramics at LaTrobe University in Bendigo. Now study has slowed my plan is to make, make, make and hopefully sell, sell sell 🙂 I hope you enjoy the view into my studio and the work I create.

I don’t usually do body casts but a good friend wanted a memory of her 3rd pregnancy, knowing it would be her last. it was done in earthenware and painted with underglazes.

Artist of the Day: Paula Cooley


p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } I am a full time ceramics artist living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I have had an active studio practice since 1999 when I graduated with my Diploma in Ceramics. For the past ten years I have balanced the practical work of fine craft with academic work, completing my B.F.A in Sculpture on a part-time basis in 2010. My ceramic work is diverse, encompassing both functional and sculptural work. I wheel throw, hand build, and use a wide range of clays, surfaces and firing methods to achieve particular effects.

My one-of-a-kind sculptural work employs traditional technique and craftsmanship to create experimental organic forms that reflect the inspiration of the natural world. Whimsical hand-built shapes, evocative use of positive and negative space, and rich surfaces characterize my sculptural ceramics. My objects seem to grow or move, shaping and animating the space around them. My sculptural ceramic practice explores the boundaries between art and craft, static and animate, tradition and innovation.

For more info and images visit Paula’s website.

Where I’ll be this weekend.


Recently I’ve become a part of a local craft collective called flock and gather here in Saskatoon. Our goal is to build the local craft community through events and sales. Tomorrow is the first sale that the collective is presenting so if you’re in the area please stop by.

For more info about the flock and gather collective please check out their blog.