by Carole Epp | Dec 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
Jaimianne’s work seems fitting to show today as around the holidays it always seems that we take a few extra minutes to consider and do what we can for those less fortunate in the world and in our communities. I find this work to be quite striking and poignant. They stand as reminders of the bigger picture, about priorities. And are quite visually appealing as well. Enjoy and best to you all this holiday season.
Artist Statement
I find an object in nature, or a depressing image of a child and am inspired. As an artist I believe everything holds it’s own beauty and that beauty is my ambition to capture. Whether I work in my favorite mediums of clay and detailed wirework, or less appealing substances, like charcoal and oil paints, that bit of beauty is my goal. I favor creating more practical, useful pieces of work. I also like to focus closely on texture, my favorite element of design. My art is a display of intimacy with a researched object and my medium.
Artist Bio
I am currently a senior getting my BFA this spring from Finlandia University with a concentration in ceramics. My first solo exhibit was in 2008 titled “The Eternal Search for Truth”. I plan on perusing residencies in the near future and look forward to the adventure of traveling.
Best of luck with the completion of your BFA Jaimianne. Do keep us posted as you complete the work for the exhibition.
Make sure as well to check out Jaimianne’s blog ceramicthought.blogspot.com for more info about the work, and also because it’s a great resource for info about residency opportunities.
by Carole Epp | Dec 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
Today is yet another example of how much Canadian ceramics rock! (yeah gotta back the home team!) I’m head over heels for Marney’s work, so beautiful, delicate, strong and full of narrative. Just all round visually yummy!!! (i’m also coveting that stamp collection…) Make sure you check out her website as well for more images and info.
“Marney McDiarmid is a ceramic artist who lives and works in Kingston, Ontario. For more than a decade, she has created one-of-a-kind, slab-built pieces that are known for their grace, their whimsy and their unusual beauty.”
“ARTIST STATEMENT
Since the mid-1990s I have been creating one-of-a-kind, slab-built ceramic pieces that address my experience of the “natural” world and notions of femininity. The pieces are finely constructed to emphasize porcelain’s tendency towards translucence, highlighting the object’s fragility and sensuousness. I combine organic forms with other natural materials to create a quilt-like montage. The forms – bowls, vases, and other vessels – often hover on the edge of functionality, inviting and undermining practical use while compelling the viewer to slow down and find pleasure in the forms’ abundant small details.”
www.marneymcdiarmid.com
by Carole Epp | Dec 22, 2009 | Uncategorized
In case you don’t remember I first introduced you to Adrienne and Zack of Smiling Cow Studio back during April’s Artist of the Day posts (see that post here). And by the looks of these images, they’ve been busy! I’m loving the new imagery on this work, quite different from the pieces I showed last time. Interesting choice of subject matter and interesting how both have gravitated towards imagery. I love the playful nature of this work and the elegant simplicity of the marriage of design and image.
Here’s the bio:
Zach’s formal training was at the Alberta College of Art and design. He lives in Maple Creek, SK, where he and his wife run Smiling Cow Studio, a small pottery run out of the covered in veranda of their 1914 house.
statement:
Zach works in porcelain, and enjoys letting the material dictate the form. He is interested in the dichotomy of rural and city; nature and industry. He uses iconic imagery to explore these themes.
Read more about Adrienne and Zack on their blog and make sure to stop by their online store.
by Carole Epp | Dec 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
Second round applications for 2010 residencies close on January 4th 2010 *
Justus Jörgenson established Montsalvat as an arts colony and centre for creativity in all its forms. Montsalvat still fulfils this vision through its resident artist community and strong focus on events presentation and educational development.
The Artist in Residence program is an exciting new initiative, designed to provide artists with a supportive community where they can focus on their own artistic practice and research. Montsalvat offers free accommodation and studio space from 2 to 6 weeks.
Click here to download the guidelines and application form.
For more info, contact Simone de Haan, Artistic Manager on (03) 9439 7712, or click here to email Simone.
Artist in Residence Program
The program is best represented through the spirit of our Mission, linking the areas of artistic practice, education and dissemination of the work, within what is “a living, thriving, creative artistic community. Welcoming to the general public, we aim to educate and promote local, national and international cultural practice.”
Artists are encouraged to focus on their work within an environment that encourages dialogue and exchange of ideas. Each month an informal session is held where they are given the opportunity to come together and share their work. Artists from all nations and backgrounds are encouraged to apply for admission on a non discriminatory basis. Affirmative action supports indigenous artists and those from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Artist in Residence Facilities
The Gatehouse Studio, White Barn Studio, Sue Vanderkelen Room and Stable Studio are available for artist in residence accommodation and studio space. A work area is provided, together with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Access to concerts and exhibitions is encouraged.
Residences are available to a range of artists, including visual artists, sculptors, film makers, performing artists, musicians, composers, architects, writers, instrument makers and new media artists. Artists in Residence are encouraged to contribute to Montsalvat events and education programs and to mix with resident artists who live on site.
by Carole Epp | Dec 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
I always like reading in bios how an artist found clay and turned a complete 180 from what they were previously doing, in William’s case a BA in International Political Economy. That magical draw of the clay is just so powerful! Well I’m sure I speak for more that myself when I say that William made the right choice as he is an incredible potter and I’m sure that this spectacular functional work is as enjoyable to use as it is to look at.
Artist Statement
As a ceramic artist I explore the potter’s wheel and the use of atmospheric firing methods as my primary tools. The dynamic interaction between the malleable, versatile clay and the steady motion of the wheel first enthralled me, and continues to challenge and humble me everyday. It is this interaction that inspires the forms I create, and which influences the movements of my hands as they meet the clay. Each piece is a record of the union of these forces.
My current work reflects my continuing attempt to find a balance between the requirements of function, and the subtle details which give a form the strength to stand alone and yet still remain receptive to the marks of the fire. I choose to create mostly functional work because I enjoy the intimacy with which these pieces can be experienced. For me, knowing that a piece of my pottery will be filled with nourishment and held closely on a daily basis only adds to the beauty of that piece and to the attention to detail it deserves. As each piece takes form between my hands one thousand thoughts fill my head; of strong form, proper function, and firing surface. I am creating not just a bowl or cup or jar, but a pot with all the possible expressions of the human personality. I form the structure, the bones, of the pot thinking ahead towards the firing chamber. Building on this structure I refine the surface until the taut skin reveals the intentional elements of the seemingly simple form. And then I send the pot into the fire, standing naked and unadorned, with only its strength to protect it and its softness to accept the flames which wrap around it.
All work is wheel thrown, altered, wood and soda fired to cone 10.
William Baker Bio
1999-2000 Finished undergraduate studies with a BA in International Political Economy
Discovered wheel-throwing and the existence of potters, began trying to make up
for “lost” time.
2002—2004 Resident Artist at the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Asheville, North Carolina Discovered salt and soda firing
2005-Present Studio potter working in the mountains of Western North Carolina
2005-2006 worked with a cross draft gas/soda kiln
2007 built my wood burning cross draft soda kiln, which has allowed me to produce my mostly functional pottery and focus on the wood/soda firing process
Website:
www.williambakerpottery.com
also:
www.williambakerpottery.com/blog
www.williambaker.etsy.com
by Carole Epp | Dec 20, 2009 | Uncategorized
The Workhouse Arts Center Ceramics Residency Program offers the emerging, pre-professional or professional ceramic artists the individual space and time needed for personal artistic growth in a dynamically cooperative educational environment. The Ceramics Residency Program provides the serious ceramics artist an opportunity and ability to function independently and to refine and exhibit their work, expand on their educational experiences, and contribute to the growth and promotion of the cultural arts in our Community, our Artists, Students, Ceramics program and the Lorton Arts Foundation. The new state of the art facility comprising 8,000 sq. ft. with 5- 220sq. ft. individual resident artist studio spaces, a dedicated retail gallery space for resident artists, classroom space, two indoor kiln rooms(8 kilns), outdoor gas kiln space, raku kiln, raw materials lab, slab roller, extruder, clay mixing room and spray booth allows the artist to expand their use of a variety of tools and processes available for the ceramic artist.
Requirements
The Workhouse Arts Center Ceramics Program is a dynamically creative and educationally cooperative environment. Facilities and equipment resources are offered at a reasonably low rate. * Minimum 25 hours of weekly presence in studio (working) and gallery watch in our dedicated Ceramics Gallery. * Active contribution and participation towards growth and daily operational activities of Ceramics program by instructing(paid), assisting, mentoring, supervising or maintaining various areas of program. * Follow all guidelines, procedures and policies as set forth in contract and residency program guidelines.
Eligibility
Ceramic Artists with a substantial background/working knowledge of ceramic techniques and processes including hand-building and/or wheel-throwing, firing and glaze making skills. All accepted applicants will go through a short orientation and training on studio procedures and guidelines with the Ceramics Director and must follow all safe handling practices with materials and equipment.
Costs
The Workhouse Arts Center Ceramics Residency Program is a component of the Workhouse Arts Center Ceramics Program. Cost is $3,960.00 per year or 330.00/month. Yearly membership with Workhouse Arts Center, Electric and Gas Firing fees (bisque or glaze), clay and use of raw materials are an additional fee. Credits which can be applied toward firing and raw material costs are given for contributory hours in Ceramics Program. Newly Accepted residents may begin at any time during the calendar year and with approval of Ceramics Director. The Workhouse Arts Center Ceramics Residency Program is limited to 5 Ceramic Artists.
How to Apply
Review of applications for residency program is ongoing. Please complete the attached application form, and submit along with a letter of intent, resume, artist statement, a CD or slides of 10 images (current within last 3 years) with image info sheet, 2 reference contacts and submit to The Lorton Arts Foundation-Workhouse Arts Center Ceramics Program c/o Dale Marhanka- Ceramics Director, 9504 Workhouse Way-Bldg. 8, Lorton Virginia 22079 or call 703-584-2982.
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