by Carole Epp | Jan 3, 2008 | Uncategorized
I’ve just recently been introduced to the work of Bibbi Forsman and wanted to share it. Check out her website and blog for more great photos and interesting blog entries. I’m always intrigued by artists who work in different ways within their practice, as it’s something that has come to define the way I work. In fact I was just having a conversation about just that the other day with an artist who paints as well as works in ceramics. I remember being told at one point that you should be the master of one trade rather than ace of none and I’ve often been asked why I don’t focus on one of my bodies of work rather than separate my time between both. But I find time and time again that artists who I admire have a range to their work and it works for them.
For me it’s been a question at times of sanity. Working on the figurative work I do is really rewarding, but also emotionally draining as it deals with subject matter that I find hard to address on a daily basis. Same as anyone I hate to deal with the horrors of humanity everyday and my work brings it into focus right in my face, so the functional work allows me a bit of peace but also challenges me to think about the beauty in life and humanity as well. Both bodies of work aim to find positives, one just visually presents negatives to address the possibilities of proactive change, while the other presents beauty to remind us of the subtlety of the power of the everyday.
So I’m in the studio now working on a new series of figurative work for an exhibition this coming May and I can barely wait to show you some of the new pieces, but it will be a bit of a wait through drying time, glazing and firing. As soon as possible I’ll make sure to post a sneak peek as soon as pieces emerge from the kiln…
In the meantime check out this work by Biliana Popova who also works both figuratively and functionally, both beautiful!
So I’m curious how others handle the split in their practice, whether it be between different disciplines, different methods of working, functional/sculptural, production work and exhibition work. Do both pay off, or is one the passion work and the other the financially sustainable work? Thoughts?
by Carole Epp | Jan 3, 2008 | Uncategorized
An artist/designer that’s been on my radar lately is Laura McKibbon out of Vancouver. I saw her work a while back when visiting Granville Island in Vancouver and again recently as part of the “On the Table” Exhibition which was showing in Halifax in November. There’s tons of great work coming out of the British Columbia area, nice fresh young work, and her work particularly draws me with it’s simplicity and photo imagery quality which is raw yet refined.
I like the fact too that she’s interested in collaborative projects, hmmm, gets my mind thinking…
Check out places to buy the work on her website cul de sac design
Through her site there is also a link to the Fragiles exhibition which was curated for Design Miami 2007. The exhibition is full of inspiring, thought-provoking work definitely worth taking a browse through, there’s even a short video documentary. Here’s quote about the exhibition from their website:
“Fragiles is an eclectic collection of contemporary porcelain, ceramic and glass objects by a new wave of designers who are manifesting their creative visions out of fragile materials. Fragiles presents over one hundred innovative objects that expand and challenge our notion of these classical materials and traditions, simultaneously exploring a new aesthetic approach and technological boundaries. From experimental and avant-garde to evocative retro-inspired reinterpretations, these cutting-edge examples indicate how visual culture and high tech production processes are influencing and reshaping this delicate territory in pioneering ways.”
The show included works by a long list of great artist/designers including some of my faves; Charles Krafft, Wendy Walgate, Hella Jongerius, Louise Hindsgavl, oh forget it the list is just too long, go check it out for yourself!
And one other side note if you check out the “On the Table” link to the Gardiner Museum make sure to check out their podcast page with “Ceramics in Context” in which museum staff and artists comment on the museum’s permanent ceramics collection.
by Carole Epp | Jan 3, 2008 | Uncategorized
If you’re looking for something to do or see next summer in Toronto you can participate in or visit the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. It’s a juried fair which showcases up and coming and established contemporary fine art and craft each July.
Currently the TOAE is looking for artists interested in exhibiting, the next deadline is March 1st 2008 and all the info you need is on the website. You can also see great work by past participants and award winners (yes there are also awards up for grabs!) like this piece by Dawn Petticrew.
by Carole Epp | Dec 24, 2007 | Uncategorized
The North America Ceramic Cup Show
Studio Angelico (US)
February 1, 2008 entry deadline
Juried from digital and slides. Fee: $5/entry. Juror: Andy Brayman. For prospectus, visit their website; or send SASE to Paul McMullan. Ceramics Department, Siena Heights University, 1247 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian MI 49221; [email protected].
by Carole Epp | Dec 24, 2007 | Uncategorized
Berea College Ceramic Apprenticeship Program
Application deadline: February 22
Responsibilities include: working with apprentices, active studio production of utilitarian ceramics for wholesale/retail market, assisting program director in maintaining large well-equipped facility and teaching one course per year. Requirements: MFA, BFA or equivalent; experience with studio approach to functional tableware. Studio space and materials are provided. Kilns currently available: gas reduction, electric, salt, wood, raku. Starts August 2008.
Send letter of application, resume, 20 slides/digital images (jpg on CD), and three recommendation letters to Tina Gebhart, Ceramic Apprenticeship Program, CPO 2162, Berea College, Berea, KY 40404. Inquiries: (859) 985-3849. Berea College is a four-year undergraduate liberal arts institution located on the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains (Lexington, 45 minutes; Cincinnati/Louisville, 2 hrs). The College’s mission includes special commitments to the Appalachian region, interracial education, and serving students of limited financial resources. Full tuition scholarships and labor program involvement have long been distinctive features of a Berea education. For more information about Berea College, see their website.
by Carole Epp | Dec 24, 2007 | Uncategorized
If you happen to find yourself near Owen Sound this January 19th you can take in a one day symposium at the Tom Thompson Gallery called Making Matters: Sustainability and Craft Practice. Speakers will address topics related to craft’s sustainability, its impact on the environment and local economies. This symposium is a regional outreach project of the Ontario Crafts Council. Check out the gallery website for more info and to register.
