by Carole Epp | Apr 19, 2017 | movie day
“This past winter I had the privilege of taking Joan Bruneau’s ceramic course, Art of the Table at NSCAD U. For our final project we had to create a set or service for 4-6 people and document it in situation. I decided to re-create the camper cup and build crates to carry the cups in. I asked three friends to choose a drink, a toast and come hangout with me on the beach. We had four rounds of toasts, one for each of us. It was a spectacular day for the beach & I had so much fun making this project! I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me with this project…big thanks to: Bethany Riordan-Butterworth, David Walsh, Brendan Anckaert, Joan Bruneau, my classmates, Doug Bamford, Ken Lamb, Scott MacInnis and Jim Cameron. Thanks for watching.” – Therese Bombardier
www.theresebombardier.com
by Carole Epp | Apr 18, 2017 | technical tuesday
“One of the most important things to know about your pottery tools is how to keep them sharp and at the ready. Dull tools produce poor results, while sharp tools can be the difference between an ordinary pot and a masterpiece!
If you’re anything like me, I forget how often I’ve used a particular tool, and don’t think to sharpen it until it is producing uneven and rough results. So how do you clean up the results? Simple, take your tools to a professional for sharpening, or learn how to sharpen them yourself.
In today’s post, we will go over a few ways to sharpen your pottery tools. Although we encourage you to give it a try… we don’t recommend trying this on your most expensive tools first, start with the cheapo’s in your toolbox. Here are a few things you can use to get started:
- Sandpaper (coarse and fine grit)
- Sandstone
- Files
- Bench grinder
- Belt sander
- Dremel tool or drill with a good Diamond Sharpening Burr”
Read the full article here.
by Carole Epp | Apr 13, 2017 | call for entry, emerging artist, workshops
Northern Clay Center presents an advanced ceramics studio program in collaboration with ceramic artist and educator, Ursula Hargens. The New Institute for Ceramic Education provides up to 8 months of advanced, personalized instruction for artists who are serious about taking the next step in their ceramic education.
This pilot program is designed to respond to the changing needs of students and gives non-traditional students the same quality of information and critique found in a university program. Designed for potters and sculptors alike, the Institute will support the development of studio work and provide high-level training in ceramic materials, history and theory, and professional practices.
Participants will earn a certificate of completion through a combination of instruction and individual mentoring. The program will extend beyond the classroom to include artist lectures, gallery tours, and studio visits with established artists to take advantage of the rich ceramic resources throughout the Twin Cities, including those from academic and non-traditional routes of study, artists of other media, and arts administrators.
Get updates about MN NICE classes, visiting artists, and events on the NCC blog.
What can you hope to achieve from this program?
By the end of the 8-month program, students will earn a certificate and will possess the technical skills, artistic context, and personal insight to build a strong and cohesive body of work. They will learn how to present and promote their work, whether they are seeking gallery representation, applying to graduate school, or selling work to the public.
MN NICE combines the best aspects of a residency, university program, and apprenticeship. Certificate recipients will establish new connections with peers and established artists in the field, build professional credentials, and create a strong body of work based on individualized instruction. The program will culminate in a final exhibition at Northern Clay Center.
“It is not without trepidation that I look toward the future, but I am eager to stretch my wings using the tools, resources, and courage I have discovered through MN NICE.
I feel honored and proud to have been a part of this program.” — MN NICE participant, 2015-16
Is MN NICE right for you?
Now in its second year, MN NICE is designed to respond to the changing needs of students and to give non-traditional students the same quality of information and critique found in a university program. Designed for potters and sculptors alike, MN NICE will support the development of studio work and provide high-level training in ceramic materials, history and theory, and professional practices. Participants will earn a certificate of completion through a combination of instruction and individual mentoring, led by ceramic artist and educator Ursula Hargens.
Hargens states, “Many individuals are eager to further their ceramic education and seek a professional credential, but family, employment, financial, and time constraints limit their ability to do so within a traditional academic structure. This certificate program is designed to fill this gap, providing a flexible, yet challenging environment that responds to the needs of non-traditional students, giving them quality information, academic rigor, critical dialogue, and critique as they develop their artistic practice and strengthen their work.”
Click here to access the application form.
Listen to a conversation between course leader, Ursula Hargens and a couple members of the first group of MN NICE students on Ben Carter’s Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast.
Find out more here: www.northernclaycenter.org/education/minnesota-new-institute-ceramic-education
