by Carole Epp | Mar 18, 2021 | exhibition
“The show, which runs March 13 to May 29, is a group exhibition featuring a diverse cross-section of artists from across the country, all of which offer a distinct and exemplary approach to ceramics. Featured in the show are Samantha Dickie, an abstract assemblage artist from Victoria, BC; John Kuroc, an artist from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, specializing in hand-built forms; Shary Boyle, an artist of many mediums who explores the fantastical potential of the human form; Jody Greenman-Barber, whose delicate works find inspiration from dance and movement; Sergio Raffo, a Kaslo resident of Cuban origin who works in both human and architectural forms; Robin Dupont, a specialist in atmospheric firing techniques and a skilled kiln-builder; and Rory Macdonald, an artist and professor at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, whose work blurs the line between installation and intervention.
“These types of medium-centric group exhibitions create an opportunity for a rare form of dialogue amongst the participating artists, even in times when active mentorship and collaboration are not possible, as the respective works speak so strongly of perspective and means and method,” says Touchstones Nelson Curator Arin Fay. THROWN, Fay explains, is the second iteration of an ongoing series of medium-centric exhibitions which was inspired by Lost Thread, a well-received group textile show mounted in 2018 which highlighted six textile artists from across the nation, but with a very specific focus on regional Kootenay artists, and with “the same eye to diversity of expression and methodology,” she adds. “This formula of curating exhibitions gives us the opportunity to include ‘our’ artists in wide-ranging cultural and creative conversations, within a Canadian context.”
This project is being supported through a Canada Council grant and has partnered with Selkirk College and Medalta in Medicine Hat. This exhibition project will support a tour to Medalta in the Summer of 2021, a publication, and online programming.”
Find out more about the art and artists and view the exhibition online HERE.
by Carole Epp | Nov 7, 2016 | Uncategorized
WINTER 2017 (January – April)
NSCAD Ceramics continues its dynamic role internationally for
progressive approaches to BFA and MFA studies. The Ceramics Department
is respected for its programming in pottery and contemporary sculpture
issues and more recently its architectural and design investigations,
recognizing the complex relationship between the built environment and
contemporary social and ecological issues.
We are inviting new and returning students to come to NSCAD for the
Winter 2017 semester to try out our new courses in our incredibly
equipped studios.
- You are a student from one of our partner schools studying through our Mobility or Exchange program.
- You are a current ceramics student at a non-exchange-partner school transfering our courses back to your program.
- You are a ceramic artist enrolling as a special student for professional development purposes.
We welcome you to apply for this special Winter 2017 semester (January – April) of ceramics study by November 15.
PROGRAM
The newly revised Ceramics Program offers three streams:
throwing/pottery, hand-building/sculpture and design/mold/digital
fabrication, in order to direct your learning to more particular
outcomes. An expanded offering allows interdisciplinary students to
build a portfolio of ideas in the Ceramics studios. Our topic workshops
offer in-depth approaches on graphic, narrative and technical approaches
to the ceramic surface, figuration, installation, architecture and
tableware.
The program emphasizes craft theory, history and discourse. As such,
NSCAD is committed to researching technologies to support new ceramic
practices combining developments in materials and computer interface 3D
fabricating technologies. Ceramics has mold making facilities, a large
RAM press, extruders, clay mixing facilities, spray booth, fully
equipped glaze lab and 15 kilns, including three state-of-the-art Blaauw
computer controlled gas kilns.
NSCAD ceramics graduates have successfully entered MFA programs such
as Alfred University, University of Florida and RISD, and have become
professors in institutions such as Alberta College of Art and Design,
Alfred University, MICA and Sheridan College.
COURSES
For the full list of courses offered during the Winter 2017 semester, search our online registration system, WebAdvisor.
CERM 3512 Architecture + Ceramics – Neil Forrest
This course examines the intersection of architecture and ceramics.
Ceramics has historically been essential to functional and narrative
capacities of architecture. This course will examine new artistic and
technical potentials for ceramics in contemporary architecture, and
provide a conceptual and theoretical framework to articulate new
relationships Students will work with structured and self-directed
projects and be presented with a range of architectural parameters in
which to develop a responsive practice in a truly interdisciplinary
context. In addition to tiles and other envelope/sheathing forms of
ceramic, students will be challenged to find new environmental
applications and artistic narratives. Architects and designers will
present the contemporary issues of architecture in regards to social,
artistic and engineering needs.
CERM 3513 Art of the Table – Joan Bruneau
The table is the context in which ceramics will define social space.
This course will examine historical and contemporary approaches to
function as it relates to food, society and ceramics. What and how we
eat is never static and this course will dissect social interaction
through objects in the environment of the dinner table. The
organization, display and relationships among ceramic objects create and
define social spaces. Historical form will be part of an equation to
find contemporary form, and tableware will be seen as a tool of social
interaction. Examples from contemporary design and craft will inform
processes in moldmaking, handbuilding and throwing as primary
construction techniques.
CERM 3110 Intermediate moldmaking and digital fabrication- RoryMacDonald
This course develops techniques of slip casting and complex
mold-making for students with prior experience in ceramics. Moldmaking
stands alone as a method of fabrication, but is widely used as a
supportive technique within a studio oeuvre. Molds apply equally to the
typologies of pottery, sculpture and architecture within the medium of
casting slip (liquid clay). Conventional and experimental methods will
help students develop a range of indirect fabrication methods to produce
unique vocabularies. This course exploits the process of slip casting
to amplify design and production methods for all ceramic genres.
Students work in small teams to organize and gas reduction and electric
kilns at midrange using semi porcelains and whitewares.
AHIS 2657 Folk Art – Sandra Alfoldy
This course will explore the complicated history of folk art, its
relationship to main street art, and the importance of folk art to Nova
Scotia’s cultural identity. Folk art is generally understood as
utilitarian, decorative art created in cultural isolation by anonymous,
untrained artists. We will question the role of folk art in our
globalized world and how it compares to outsider art while examining the
extraordinary objects created by ordinary people.
AHIS 4513 Senior Seminar: Craft and Food – Sandra Alfoldy
Craft and food have always been intimately connected. From early
artisanal production out of sheer necessity to the extravagances of the
table in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to today’s resurgence
of artisanal foods, this course will explore the morals, manners and
materials of craft and food. The seminar will culminate in a dinner
party.
HOW TO APPLY
MOBILITY / EXCHANGE
If you are a mobility or exchange student at one of our partner
schools, you may apply through your on-campus mobility or exchange
office. We are extending the deadline for application for Ceramics
studies for Winter 2017. Application details are found here. Please contact: [email protected] for more information.
ADVANCED STANDING
If you are currently studying at another art college or university or
you have recently graduated, but wish to enrol for further studies in
our Special Semester of Ceramics, apply as an Advanced Standing student
with your program specialization in Ceramics. Application details are
found here. Please contact: [email protected] for more information.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
If you are a graduate of a ceramics program or a professional ceramic
artist and wish to join our courses to further your professional
development, apply as an Advanced Standing student with your program
specialization in Ceramics. Application details are found here. Please contact: [email protected] for more information.
https://my.nscad.ca/ceramicssemester2017w/info.ezc
by Carole Epp | Sep 19, 2014 | Uncategorized
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| Brendan Tang |
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| Alwyn O’Brien |
True North:
Contemporary Canadian Ceramics
Sept 26 – Nov 9, 2014
Gallery M, Northern Clay Center
Opening Reception: Friday, Sept 26, 2014, 6
– 8 pm
True North: Contemporary Canadian Ceramics
Artists Lecture with Alwyn O’Brien and Robert Archambeau: Thursday, September
25, 2014, 6-8 pm
Additional Artist Lecture with Artist Rory
MacDonald: Tuesday, October 21, 2014, 6:00 pm
Admission: Admission is Free. Advanced registration for the
lecture is encouraged.
2014 Regis
Master: Walter Ostrom
Sept 26 – Nov 9, 2014
Emily Galusha Gallery, Northern Clay Center
Ostrom
will give a free public lecture at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, in the
Pillsbury Auditorium, September 27 at 2pm.
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| Bruce Cochrane |
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| Leopold Foulem |
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| Amelie Proulx |
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| Michael Flaherty |
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| Robert Archambeau |
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| Rory MacDonald |
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| Xanthe Isbister |
True North – the phrase comes from the Canadian National Anthem – will survey contemporary Canadian Studio ceramics. The border with Canada is, artistically, an open one: important Canadian Artists live and tech in the United States and some of the most important figures in Canadian ceramics were born in the United States. Representing such a large and diverse country and ceramic culture is not easy. True North brings together established figures and emerging artists. They represent the full geographical sweep of Canada from coast to coast, as well as the full spectrum of ceramic expression – from uitilitarian pottery to abstract sculptures to mixed media creations. True North: Contemporary Canadian Ceramics is the first of two exhibitions highlighting hte countries that share borders with the United States. The second exhibition, in September of 2015, will feature the work of contemporary Mexican artists.
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| Walter Ostrom
|
2014 Regis Master: Walter Ostrom
September 26 – November 9, 2014, Emily Galusha Gallery
Walter Ostrom is Northern Clay Center’s 27th Regis Master; he is one of two ceramic artists bestowed with the title in 2014. The other, Adrian Saxe, was featured in an exhibition in spring of 2014. The Regis Masters Series began in 1997, and honors senior artists who have had a major impact on the development of 20th and 21st century ceramics. The Regis Masters Series was originally supported by Regis and Friends and continues today through generous support from Anita Kunin and the Kunin Family, in honor of the late Myron Kunin, a philanthropist and former owner of the Regis Corporation.
Ostrom will add his story to a limited oral history of a senior generation of ceramic artists on Saturday, September 27, at 2 pm, with a free public lecture at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, in the Pillsbury Auditorium.
Related Events
We are excited to welcome Alwyn O’Brien to Northern Clay Center as a resident artist for the month of September. Stop by to visit her during daytime hours as she creates new work for the exhibition.
O’Brien will join Robert Archambeau for a free lecture on Thursday, October 25, from 6 to 8 pm in NCC’s Library. No pre-registration is required, but seating is limited.
Exhibition artist Rory MacDonald will join us in October for another special event. In addition to visiting with University of Minnesota students during his trip, please mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 21 at 6:00 pm when MacDonald will give a special free presentation at NCC.
ABOUT NORTHERN CLAY CENTER
Northern Clay Center’s mission is the advancement of the ceramic arts. Ongoing programs include exhibitions of sculpture and pottery by regional, national, and international artists; classes and workshops for children and adults; studio space and grants for artists; and a sales gallery representing many top ceramic artists from the region and elsewhere. Guided tours, hands-on events and artist demos are available. The facility is handicapped-accessible. Additional information about all programs can be found at our website at www.northernclaycenter.org
The Center is located at 2424 Franklin Avenue East, Minneapolis, MN 55406. It is one block south of Interstate 94, between 24th and 25th Avenues, just off the Riverside/25th exit. Gallery hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Thursday 10 am to 7pm; Sunday noon to 4 pm; closed Monday.
by Carole Epp | Feb 11, 2012 | Uncategorized
Thursday March 8, 2012, 6:30 – 8 pm
http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/event/rorymacdonald
Rory MacDonald discusses the importance of ceramics within the realm of public activism. Examples of Rory’s public interventions are his street tags of traditional blue and white Willow pattern made during his residency at Medalta in Medicine Hat, Alta. In another project called Curb Work, he drew attention to the deterioration of curbsides and sidewalks in downtown Regina. Repairing the fissures with exquisitely decorated ceramic patches, his strategic activism highlighted the deterioration but improved the urban streetscape. His discussion on Public Craft will look at these projects as well his most recent works. Ceramicist Rory MacDonald is currently Assistant Professor of Ceramics at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and the 2007 winner of the Winifred Shantz Award for emerging ceramics in Canada. Central to his current research is the exploration of the concept of public craft. His lecture will give an overview of both old and new works.
111 Queen’s Park
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2C7
Canada
Tel +1 416.586.8080
Fax +1 416.586.8085
[email protected]
by Carole Epp | Oct 11, 2011 | Uncategorized
Exhibition run: October 21, 2011 to Jan 15, 2012 TERRA NOVA: Canadian ‘Ground-Breakers’ in Ceramic Art
Ceramic arts may date back well over 25,000 years but contemporary artists continue to redefine both its material and conceptual possibilities. Terra Nova brings together some of Canada’s most innovative contemporary ceramic artists in a fresh celebration of beauty. Ranging from sculpture and thwarted functional pieces, to multi-media installations, these artists’ unique approaches both materially and conceptually will delight and astound viewers. 10 Artists / 10 Years: Surveying work by Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics Recipients
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics, this exhibition surveys key works created by winners of this prestigious award and demonstrates what is made possible when creativity is supported by visionary philanthropy. The Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics supports highly promising emerging professional ceramic artists to conduct intensive research at a pivotal moment in their careers. Works created before and after having won the Award will be on view. Past winning artists are: Susan Collett (Toronto), Laurent Craste (Montreal), Marc Vincent Egan (Toronto), Joan Bruneau (Lunenburg, NS), Kate Hyde (Warsaw, ON), Ying-Yueh Chuang (Toronto), Rory MacDonald (Regina, SK), Kasia Piech (Hamilton), Jasna Sokolovic (Vancouver, BC), and Brendan Tang (Kamloops, BC).www.theclayandglass.ca
