by Carole Epp | May 5, 2008 | Uncategorized
The Metchosin International Summer School for the Arts is offering a number of ceramics courses this summer including Aesthetics of Ceramic Form, Figurative Sculpture, Special Effects Glazes, Architectural Ceramics, and Firing Techniques just to name a few. All are being offered by some of ceramic’s greats like Robin Hopper, Sandra Black, Grace Nickel and Les Manning, among others.
Check out their website for further workshop details and registration information.
The Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts
Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific
650 Pearson College Drive
Victoria, BC, Canada V9C 4H7
Phone: (250) 391-2420 – Toll Free in Canada 1-800-667-3122
Fax: (250) 391-2412 – email: [email protected]
by Carole Epp | May 5, 2008 | Uncategorized
One of the main things on my “to do” list lately has been to update the links on this blog which are currently looking quite sparse as compared to the numerous blogs I actually read and am inspired by. So hopefully soon enough there will be enough hours in the day to get this done. Priorities have definitely shifted as of late with most of my time spent amusing or being amused by the little one and desperately searching for stolen moments away in the studio. The loud music in the studio may have been replaced by the hum and crackle of the baby monitor but it’s still a wonderful escape from the repetition of the everyday.
But this new schedule has also had an impact on my blog reading as of late. I’m falling behind now that the little one sleeps through the night and I’m no longer up in the wee hours of the morning coaxing him back to slumbers and reading craft theory or design blogs to keep me awake. Yes I realize I’m an obsessive geek to even think of reading about ceramics at such a time!
Anyhow I was just catching up on my reading of Mike Press’s blog Hand Made Theory and thought to myself that I might not have mentioned it before on this blog, so here you go, it’s a great read for craftspeople of any medium with great links so find the time for a browse (preferably during sane hours of the day!)
by Carole Epp | May 4, 2008 | Uncategorized
I was just out in BC for a long needed break, enjoying the beautiful spring gardens of the coast, and finding some time for lazing about and checking out some of Victoria’s open studios. It’s such a great idea that I wish we did this more back home, having afternoon open houses/studios where you can meet artists, enjoy yummy cookies, and see some fantastic work that you might not otherwise find in the shops and galleries. Of course it’s always nice to have that direct interaction with makers, finding out interesting tricks of the trade and seeing how different people work – plus it fuels my snoopiness about how others studios are set up, which in turn can also fuel studio envy…
This is the work of Ester Galac who is a lovely clay artist I met on the studio tour. She had beautiful works with a variety of elegant glaze choices from subtle blue to bronze glazes and interesting forms incorporating inspiration and materials from the coast. You can check out more of her work on the BC tourism website.
I think this open studio format of exposing the public to artwork is interesting. Not only does it provide a relaxed casual setting for viewing art, but is also allows the direct interaction between maker and user of an object. In craft communities we often talk about a need to educate audiences about the importance/value/excellence in craftsmanship of the crafted object and this format presents a less didactic or formal approach as compared to a gallery setting. I know lots of artists who do this individually, hosting their own open studios which is great, but there was also something nice about an organized tour of multiple studios all in one day where you can float in and out of spaces enjoying a day of conversation and beautiful art here and there around the city…
by Carole Epp | May 4, 2008 | Uncategorized
SPEAKER SERIES: Wilhelm Nassau speaks at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery on the history of ceramics and glass
THE HISTORY OF CERAMICS
Friday, May 9 at 4:30pm
Admission – $5.00
CCGG Docents & Volunteers – free!
THE HISTORY OF GLASS
Friday, May 30 at 4:30pm
Admission – $5.00
CCGG Docents & Volunteers – free!
25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo, ON N2L 2Y5 519.746.1882
GALLERY HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday 11-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm, FREE 5-6pm Tuesday to Friday
by Carole Epp | Apr 25, 2008 | Uncategorized
2009 CALL FOR PROGRAM PROPOSALS –
DEADLINE May 1, 2008
43rd annual meeting of NCECA in Phoenix, AZ
Call for proposals of lectures and panel discussions relating to issues of Aesthetics, Critical Theory, Art History, Education, Professionalism, Technology and New Work. Submissions will be evaluated for merit, the presenter’s expertise in the area, and a general interest in providing a balanced and inclusive program for the members. Members are encouraged to submit proposals, and general information on this process can be found at the NCECA web site.
All proposals will be submitted ONLINE.
Plus I just got an email from NCECA regarding NCECA going GREEN!!!
They are looking for feedback from members addressing different ways to have a more sustainable practice in the studio, the classroom or at home. Working in collaboration with Ceramics Monthly and the Archie Bray Foundation the future is looking to be more green for our community. If you know of individuals who are dedicated and experienced in the issues surrounding going green please forward their information to Kate Vorhaus, NCECA Projects Manager in our Erie, Colorado office; [email protected]
They are also looking for a student to join their “Green Task Force”, So if you know of someone that fits the bill please send their name and contact information to NCECA Student Director-at-Large, Jessica Orlowski; [email protected]
Keep an eye out for NCECA webpages and blogs on the subject, but in the meantime get involved, because as with all things green, we all have to get involved and do our part. So start getting all your ideas together, talk with others in your community and get in contact with any member of the newly formed NCECA Green Task Force:
Robert Harrison, NCECA Past President; [email protected]
Joe Molinaro, NCECA Programs Director; [email protected]
Morgan O’Brien, NCECA Executive Director; [email protected]
Sherman Hall, Ceramics Monthly Editor; [email protected]
Steve Lee, Archie Bray Foundation Director; [email protected]
Brian Kohl, NCECA Podcast Director; [email protected]
Also check out the May issue Ceramics Monthly for John Britt’s article on “The Ease of Being Green”, which focuses on practical steps individuals can take in their own studios to reduce energy consumption and carbon impact. Here’s a link to the article.
