by Carole Epp | Feb 25, 2009 | Uncategorized
So as I began my day on Sunday, charged with a list of tasks to try to get completed on one of the few days I have my husband home to help watch the little munchkin, I got entirely sidetracked…It all started with our charming new kitten exploring in the dark depths of our basement storage only to find my packing materials and a goldmine of a bag of styrofoam popcorn. Needless to say the new game that began involved bringing the popcorn upstairs piece by piece to present to my son as a toy. We discovered them both playing away (luckily my son had his pacifier in mouth!) covered in styrofoam bits…sigh. So began the task of ridding the basement of these tiny horrors before it was too late. In the process I did manage to run across a box that had been sadly water damaged months before when our tub had leaked and to my delight and surprise I had stumbled across a bunch of old pictures from my college days. List of tasks for the day completely out of mind I spent the next while going through old memories, rediscovering old friends and handling cherished momentoes. In the midst of the pile of pictures I found the following which brought a smile to my face and reminded me of how far I’ve come (even if it doesn’t feel like it everyday).
These pictures are of the first kiln I ever tried to build, must have been over ten years ago now. It’s embarrassing to even show you (and now I question why I even am?) The first shows our pathetic attempt at working with the worst of discarded kiln bricks to build the floor of our raku kiln. Wobbly much? It makes me laugh out loud!
The second shows the floor after our probably 4th or 5th attempt. A little more stable.
In the end it wasn’t the worst kiln ever, but it might have gotten an honorable mention. We did fire it quite a few times, enough for me to decide I really didn’t care much for the raku process for my work, but I did enjoy the challenge of kiln building. And I also really enjoyed the atmosphere around the raku firings. Being that we were on the university campus we often had to fire at night when there were less students around (or maybe it just took that long for the sad little kiln to reach temperature?!) Often students from the surrounding dorms would come by to see what was going on as they could see the smoke and fire from their dorm windows. We’d often find ourselves with great company, pizza delivery and beer….aww college life! It was good times all round, not that we ever fully appreciate them at the time. I’m also reminded of this by the photos I found of the late, and oh so great, Marilyn Levine giving studio visits and critiques with us students. An opportunity I’d die for now…I wonder what she told me…I’d also take the good company, pizza and beer any day!
by Carole Epp | Feb 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
Don’t forget that the deadline for residencies at the Red Lodge Clay Center is right around the corner…
Applications need a postmark date on or before March 1st.
Starting next year the deadline will be February 1st.
They will be setting up interviews with final candidates at the NCECA conference in Phoenix. Find out more on their website here.
by Carole Epp | Feb 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
There is a new online ceramics magazine and social networking site based out of Africa. It’s great place to meet other artists, share info, upload images and give feedback on work. There is also a magazine – to be launched March 1st – that is either emailed or posted (i’m not quite sure yet as I just joined). Come and check it out!
INTO Ceramics website.
by Carole Epp | Feb 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
Then you might want to check out the Res Artis website. You can search by country, discipline or scroll through a list of upcoming deadlines. Enjoy!
by Carole Epp | Feb 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
Rory MacDonald Workshop
Mold making, slip casting, & working with coloured slips
Sponsored by the Moose Jaw Pottery Club
Demonstrations, artist talk, and hands-on with slip casting
June 6 & 7, 2009
Rory MacDonald is currently Assistant Professor of Ceramics at the University of Regina. MacDonald’s work in ceramics explores the history of industrial ceramic production techniques. He is interested in the role of ceramics within the practice of design and art concentrating on the development of new public audiences and spaces for contemporary ceramics. Central to his current research is the exploration of the concept of public craft. MacDonald’s current work explores site-specific firing and new techniques for glaze applications to architecture. He is the 2007 winner of the Winifred Shantz Award for emerging ceramics in Canada.
Cost: 65.00 members/80.00 nonmembers
To register, please mail a cheque that includes a contact email and/or phone
number so we can confirm your registration when we receive your cheque.
The cheque, made out to Moose Jaw Pottery Club, can be mailed to:
Moose Jaw Pottery Club
741 7th Ave. S.E.
Moose Jaw, SK
S6H 6B1
For more information contact: [email protected]
by Carole Epp | Feb 14, 2009 | Uncategorized
Not that I’m a sentimental person when holidays like Valentines roll around, but I thought I would take this opportunity – since the holiday is about showing your appreciation for others – to say thanks to everyone that’s been reading the blog and helping to make this community what it is. Thanks to everyone for all of the great emails, for sharing your work and ideas. I have such fun putting the blog together and its thanks to the great readers.
So cheers and I hope you have a great valentine’s day with your loved ones.
In the spirit of the day here’s some of Rae Dunn‘s lovely pieces.
You can find them at her etsy shop here.
The second shows the floor after our probably 4th or 5th attempt. A little more stable.
In the end it wasn’t the worst kiln ever, but it might have gotten an honorable mention. We did fire it quite a few times, enough for me to decide I really didn’t care much for the raku process for my work, but I did enjoy the challenge of kiln building. And I also really enjoyed the atmosphere around the raku firings. Being that we were on the university campus we often had to fire at night when there were less students around (or maybe it just took that long for the sad little kiln to reach temperature?!) Often students from the surrounding dorms would come by to see what was going on as they could see the smoke and fire from their dorm windows. We’d often find ourselves with great company, pizza delivery and beer….aww college life! It was good times all round, not that we ever fully appreciate them at the time. I’m also reminded of this by the photos I found of the late, and oh so great, Marilyn Levine giving studio visits and critiques with us students. An opportunity I’d die for now…I wonder what she told me…I’d also take the good company, pizza and beer any day!
