Musing About Mud | Carole Epp

call for artists: mentorship opportunity with Susan Low Beer

by Carole Epp | May 31, 2018 | call for entry, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

For more information and guidelines on how to apply: CLICK HERE!

movie day: The Connected Hand – Sandra Alfoldy

by Carole Epp | May 30, 2018 | movie day | 0 Comments

Dr Sandra Alfoldy is the leading Craft Historian in Canada, and also faculty member of NSCAD University. In this talk Sandra discusses the ‘connection’ artisans share, what makes an artisan and how this image has been portrayed over the years. She also poses the question – who decides what image an artisan should take?

technical tuesday: Nixi Artisan Potters

by Carole Epp | May 29, 2018 | technical tuesday | 0 Comments

The following is an excerpt text from “Nixi Artisan Potters” via Kathy Erteman’s website. She has had a number of experiences working with contemporary Nixi Artisan Potters.

Please read more of her writing here and find links to further resources and research – and make sure to check out her ceramic work as well.

“The Nixi Potters live in Tandui Village, nestled in a bucolic valley on the Tibetan plateau at 10,000 feet in Yunnan, China. The city of Shangri-la, a tourist destination famous for fresh air, Chinese herbs and Tibetan Culture, is a half hour drive away. The villagers are artisans and farmers, the heirs to a 1200-year-old tradition of pottery production threatened with extinction during the Chinese Cultural Revolution after which time only three artisan families remained in the village. In the ensuing decades the numbers of Nixi potters has steadily increased. There are now 120 artisan families in the village.

Traditional Nixi pottery is utilitarian black ware with decorative porcelain inlay and carving, used by all Tibetan households for cooking, and cultural and religious ceremonies. This deep tradition of pottery production is the social glue that provides community cohesion and economic opportunity for the entire village. Training of young artisans is done exclusively through apprenticeship with one of the village pottery masters. Apprentices begin by creating their own set of tools from rhododendron root, horn and leather. Apprenticeship is a slow process yet many of the younger generation are now making this choice.”

Below is a video from Youtube demonstrating some of the traditional techniques of these artisans.

call for artists: Pottery Assistant required

by Carole Epp | May 29, 2018 | job posting | 0 Comments

AYUMI HORIE SEEKS NEW POTTERY/CERAMICS ASSISTANT
FLEXIBLE START DATE IN LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL 2018

Who Should Apply
I’m seeking an assistant who cares about quality in all aspects and forms. The applicant should be curious, a hard worker, direct communicator, self-motivated, respectful, be able to hustle, and be detail oriented. Applicants with academic degrees outside of the fine arts are encouraged. Someone with experience in 3D modeling and mold-making would be a plus, but not necessary. The relationship between potter and assistant is an intimate one and needs to be the right fit personality-wise. A sense of humor and ability to learn from mistakes with humility are a must. I’ve had many different assistants with a variety of skill sets, I can meet people where they’re at. I do require a positive, can-do attitude and love it when assistants are open and honest about their opinions.

Time and Timing
1-3 days of work a week with flexible daytime hours. No studio space or board is provided, and pay depends on experience. I value my quiet work time and find that having space apart makes for a better relationship for both parties. There are studio spaces in town that can be rented. Flexible start date between August 15 and September 15, with a two week trial period to make sure we have a good fit. One-year commitment.

Responsibilities
Responsibilities include all aspects of studio maintenance- preparing clay (applicant should be able to occasionally wedge 25 pound of clay), production using a RAM press, glazing, mixing slips and glazes, decaling, loading and unloading kilns, photographing and videographing, data entry, packing and shipping, research and copy writing. If you have 3D modeling and mold making skills, we’d be utilizing these as well. If you don’t know some of these things, it’s alright as long as you’re a fast learner and detail-oriented. Possibly some marketing as well, depending on skill level. Having a car is highly recommended, but not necessary as I’m on a bus route ten minutes from downtown Portland.

What You’ll Learn
You’ll be part of all aspects of the making process from start to finish and learn how a small business operates. I always have multiple side projects that I need help with. I’m very open about all the marketing and the strategy behind it. Depending on your interest, we can go further into social media and online presence.

How to Apply
Apply here. Rolling application until August 1. Please take your time answering questions to the best of your ability. I value thoroughness and will review the applications as they come in. If you need an answer back within a certain time frame, please let me know. If you are a selected candidate, I will set up a Google Hangout interview with you. Please feel free to contact me with questions. Thanks and good luck!

via: http://ayumihorie.com/ayumi-horie-seeks-new-pottery-ceramics-assistant/