by Carole Epp | Apr 14, 2020 | technical tuesday
In 2010, an Industrial Archaeologist named Talva Jacobson came to the Historic Clay District to complete an archaeological study of Medalta’s Kiln Room. We were reasonably sure that the foundations of at least three round kilns were under the concrete floor which was constructed sometime in the 1960’s. As Talva and her team excavated, they were indeed able to find kiln foundations as well as a wealth of other archaeological information which will aid in understanding the processes of industry in the early years of the twentieth century.
Want to see more and read more about this excavation? Check it out HERE.
by Carole Epp | Aug 9, 2019 | residency opportunity
This is me circa 2010 during a month long residency at Medalta in Medicine Hat. Little did I know that when the director Aaron Nelson called me and asked me to pull together a group of artists for a month that I would not only have a life changing experience, but that a piece of my heart would forever belong to Medalta Artist in Residence Program. I’m sure many of you out there have had similar experiences at different places around the world, colleagues that become friends, friends that become family; and precious time in a studio with other artists that invigorates and renews your creative practice. Medalta and it’s vibrant community have been so good to me. I’ve had the opportunity to return to Medalta on a number of occasions to visit with other artists, to teach and to jury exhibitions.
So it’s with their future sustainability in my heart and mind that I’m posting today about a fundraiser they are currently doing to upgrade their Soda and Salt Kilns. These kilns are over ten years old and have seen better days in their lifetime of producing beautiful pots for international artists. Here’s me back in 2010 firing the soda kiln during my residency there.
And here is the state of the kilns currently…
Medalta needs to raise $12,000 in the next month in order to rebuild these kilns and have them up and running for new residents and workshop attendees. If you have the ability to do so, I encourage you to donate today and help them out. Who knows you might find yourself there as a resident someday! Or did you know you can rent the kilns as well??? (well you can rent the new ones in the future that is!)
Here’s the link to DONATE to their campaign.
And here is Medalta’s website if you want to learn more about them or get in contact.
by Carole Epp | Apr 15, 2019 | call for entry
Canadian artists are invited to submit their interpretation of the cup. Functional and sculptural entries welcome! ‘Plenty’ will be an online exhibition, launching in the fall of 2019. Our amazing sponsors have offered up some tantalizing prize action and we’re so honored to have their support!
DEADLINE July 1st, 2019
Juried by Brendan Tang
Grand Prize: Workshop fee for any 2020 Medalta 2020 Summer Workshop, Sponsored by Medalta
Best in Function: $250 Sponsored by Tucker’s Pottery Supplies
Best in Sculpture: $250 Sponsored by Pottery Supply House
Best Emerging Work: $350 Sponsored by Plainsman Clay
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Submissions open: April 15th
Deadline to submit: July 1st
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Works will be juried from digital. Work must be primarily ceramic, original and made within the past 2 years. For members of the Canadian Clay Directory, the entry fee is $20 for up to 3 entries. $35 for non-members/3 entries.
Open to all artists living in Canada, and Canadian artists living abroad.
Full details can be found HERE.
by Carole Epp | Oct 30, 2018 | technical tuesday
Loved this simple but super helpful trick that master plaster mold maker and bone china queen Noriko Masuda posted on her Instagram feed yesturday. She ran out of casting slip part way through the cast so added the mug to displace the liquid. Seems so obvious but in my years slip casting I didn’t think of it!
Check out more of her work here.
