by Carole Epp | Dec 13, 2007 | Uncategorized
One of the interesting talks I attended at Neocraft was presented by Amy Gogarty titled “China on my mind” or, ceramics and the “new orientalism”. Gogarty’s investigation brought into focus the practice of artists traveling to China and Japan to study and be inspired by the traditions and aesthetics of the regions, be it Leach and his followers or contemporary Western ceramists. What she questioned where the “less explored (..) contradictory issues of ethics, politics and culture that govern such exchanges in a period of extreme political, social and economic change.” The paper, a new branch of research for the writer has been richly researched through direct contact and discussion with artists whose practices are incorporating travel and research in the region.
One such artist, who is working directly with industry in China is Janet Deboos whose research has undertaken exploring the relationships between the handmade and the industrially produced object and the ethics and aesthetics of production. She has traveled extensively to China to work with the Huaguang Company’s bone china design group in Zibo, working with the company’s workers developing and designing molds, in the beginning from drawn designs and more recently from hand thrown models. The next stage is to work with the Rapid Prototype Unit at the Australian National University. Rather than put too much of this inspiring and timely research into my own words here are a few links so you can get it all first hand.
The first website, Design Hub has a video of her presenting the paper ‘Design meaning making: making meaning design’, at the ‘Smart works’ symposium at the Powerhouse Museum on 31 March 2007.
As the site states:
“Janet DeBoos believes that the priority that we give to different aspects of production will determine outcomes. These priorities can be (almost inevitably will be) altered by engagement with industry. In this talk, she examines changing priorities with respect to her experiences and attempts to make some judgement about their respective values.”
This video is taken from the Smart Works Symposium on Design and the Handmade. And oh how I love technology – you can spend an entire day (should you be so luck as to have one to spare!) going over all of the talks as podcasts.
Here’s some of the topics and speakers:
Peter Day (UK) – The Heartbeat Economy: surviving in a global world
Professor Xing Ruan – Ephemeral China/Handmade China
Rod Bamford: ceramics, NSW – Lost in translation: designed and made across cultures
Rebecca Eggleston: Designing Futures project, WA – Designs for a viable local industry
Robert Foster (F!NK and Co): metal, ACT – An organic process: the nexus between handmade and industry
Marc Harrison (Husque Pty Ltd):Qld – From waste to want? Sustainable design: recycled materials, macadamia shell
Alexander Lotersztain: design, Qld – Working between global manufacturing and encouraging village industries
Brian Tunks (Bison Australia): ceramics, ACT – Ceramic tableware: local employment; global market
There is also a publication that can be ordered through the site.
And Craft Victoria’s Craft Culture website has a a great review by Sue Green of two new books called, Handmade in Melbourne and Freestyle: New Australian Design for Living which discuss Janet’s work among other Australian designers/craftspeople.
You can also check out more on the Freestyle website, including all the participants in the exhibition, which brings together the work and stories of 40 outstanding designers. The book is available through their online shop.
by Carole Epp | Dec 13, 2007 | Uncategorized
Yesturday I attended a meeting at our local craft council. It was open to the public and aimed to discuss the upcoming and current programming presented by the gallery. I’m admittedly quite opinionated as anyone who knows me can attest, so I went with reservations over how to address what I felt were issues, but with a keen interest in voicing those opinions. In the end the discussion was, I think, quite successful and proactive. It was interesting to hear that the Council also viewed itself as somewhat locked into its role of showcasing traditional crafts, selected based primarily on their merit of excellence in craftsmanship, over and above innovation, experimentation and conceptual challenges. We had two members of local artist-run centers also attend and it was encouraging to see that all of the galleries were aware of the gaps between their mandates of what to exhibit and the awareness that much of craft based practice seems to be left out in the cold unable to fit within the traditional parameters of craft councils, the competitive and sometimes unversed in craft theory artist-run-centres and the public gallery system which brings a whole lot of other issues to the table. Nothing is going to change overnight, it never does, except maybe the weather, but I left feeling that feeling of possibility, that change could be around the corner as a result of partnerships, collaboration and greater communication between art organizations. I love the feeling of being in a room full of people wanting change and all contributing great ideas as to how to bring that change about. It’s as inspiring as going to see an amazing exhibition, and hopefully future amazing exhibitions will be the result of it all.
by Carole Epp | Dec 12, 2007 | Uncategorized
The Alberta College of Art + Design is one of only four publicly funded Canadian post-secondary institutions devoted exclusively to the advanced education of visual artists and designers. The college has recently entered into a vital new phase in its development and embraced a new mandate and vision that endorse a model of the institution as a laboratory for experimentation and as a catalyst for cultural development and creative inquiry into the arts and emergent cultural fields.
The college welcomes applications for the following position commencing in the fall semester of the 2008-2009 academic year:
Visiting Artist/Instructor – Ceramics
Eight (8) month appointment over two (2) semesters from August 27, 2008 to May 6, 2009
To complement existing instructional resources, this position will instruct four (4) six (6) hour long studio courses at all levels of the undergraduate BFA in Ceramics program. In addition, the successful candidate will receive a stipend equivalent to the instructional salary of two (2) six (6) hour long studio courses, towards research and studio practice. The successful candidate will also be required to mount an exhibition of their studio practice and research at the college.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have an MFA or an equivalent degree or combination of education and professional experience in ceramics, previous teaching experience, a professional exhibition record as a ceramist, excellent technical skills and a wide knowledge of all aspects of the discipline, with a particular regard for the international ceramics profession. Applicants with a studio practice and teaching experience in the areas of experimental /interdisciplinary approaches ceramics are particularly sought for this academic year.
Please submit applications by February 29 , 2008 including: a letter of application; current curriculum vitae; the names and contact information for three (3) references; artist statements outlining philosophies and practices regarding teaching and studio practice; and a digital portfolio of your recent studio work containing twenty (20) images accompanied by a corresponding numbered list including titles, medium and size to:
Alberta College of Art + Design
Attention: Human Resources
1407 14th Avenue NW
Calgary AB Canada
T2N 4R3
E-mail: [email protected]
Electronic submissions are preferred. Submitted materials will only be returned if accompanied by appropriate self-addressed envelopes/containers with sufficient Canadian postage or prepaid courier shipping forms.
For more information on the college, please visit our website at www.acad.ca. Alberta College of Art + Design is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes expressions of interest from all qualified applicants for consideration for this or other suitable vacancies. While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest, please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. In situations with several qualified candidates, preference will normally be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
And here’s a bit of work by current ACAD faculty to get you inspired.
Greg Payce:
Katrina Chaytor:
by Carole Epp | Dec 11, 2007 | Uncategorized
For those Artists living under the beautiful prairie skies such as myself, here is some information about next years’ Dimensions Exhibition, the Saskatchewan Craft Council’s annual Juried Touring Exhibition.
CHANGES TO DIMENSIONS IN 2008
DIMENSIONS – GROWTH
Growth in Excellence in Saskatchewan Fine Craft
Saskatchewan Craft Council’s Open, Juried, Touring Exhibition for 2008
The Saskatchewan Craft Council (SCC) is celebrating changes to our annual, open, juried exhibition with the theme of “Growth” in 2008. Interpret “Growth” literally, figuratively, spiritually, above all with creativity and innovation in Fine Craft. Details will be available in the Call for Entry Brochure in January 2008. We’re excited about the changes and we want to share that excitement to get you started on planning your entries.
® DIMENSIONS – GROWTH is open to all Saskatchewan residents.
® Entries will be new work of original design and exceptional execution in any craft medium interpreting the theme of “Growth”.
® Each craftsperson can enter two pieces (one may be a set or collaboration).
® Each entry will need a short statement about your interpretation of “Growth”.
® Entry Notification date will be February 29, 2008.
® Call for Entry brochures, on the SCC website, or at the SCC office, will be available after January 7, 2008.
® Delivery of works will be on April 1 and 2, 2008.
® Jurying session will take place April 3 and 4, 2008.
® The jurors’ public critique session will be on April 5, 2008 in Saskatoon.
For More Information:
Leslie Potter & Judy Haraldson
Exhibitions & Education Coordinators
Saskatchewan Craft Council
813 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 1B5
Phone: 306-653-3616 ext. 25
Fax: 306-244-2711
Email: [email protected]
Website
by Carole Epp | Dec 11, 2007 | Uncategorized
February 1, 2008 entry deadline
New York, Brooklyn
Ceramics at Work
March 1–April 25, 2008,
Open to functional work.
For an application, send SASE to Gloria Kennedy Gallery,
111 Front St. Gallery 222, Brooklyn 11201; [email protected]; www.gkgart.com/application/ceramicsatwork.pdf; (718) 858-5254.
