Ceramics this month

July 2008: Must-see exhibitions, workshops and opportunities. Morsels of other happenings and feature articles.

Featured:    Clay and Print Symposium
This month I highlight the Clay and Print Symposium that was held at the ANU School of Art in Canberra at the end of June. A wonderful 3 day symposium, jam-packed with demonstrations and information - an overload for the senses. An exhibition of experimental work is on at M16 Art Space in Canberra until 3 August. A great show, worth a visit.

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27 August, 2008

26th Gold Coast International Ceramic Award

The Judge for this year's award, master Australian artist, Marea Gazzard has chosen Israeli artist, Simcha Even-Chen as the winner of the $10,000 acquisitional prize for her work comprising three separate elements in stoneware and porcelain entitled Illusion. More

7 July, 2008

8th International Ceramic Competition Mino, Japan

22 Australians were selected from 3,284 applications from over 50 countries. 4 Australians from the 22 selected made it through the second selection. Congratulations to the 4 selected - Bridget Bodenham, Li-Feng Lo, Louisa Antico and Mel Robson.

A special congratulations goes to Li-Feng Lo who was awarded the Special Judge's Award.

View list of slected artists
Ceramic Design
Ceramic Art

View work from selected Australian artists

11 June, 2008

Sturt Woodfire 2008

A day at Sturt Woodfire
Arriving at Sturt there was a gentle haze of rain, falling lightly, a delicate mist suspended, and then settling. The gardens, enchanting and peaceful, transported you to an inner quietness. It was a welcome retreat from hectic schedules of work. Driving from Canberra I arrived around 5.00pm to register for the Sturt Woodfire 2008 conference.
More

Craft Australia has published a series of articles highlighting the event, including a review of the associated exhibitions by John Freeland. There is Janet Mansfield's welcoming address, a brief overview by Megan Patey and the article A day at Sturt Woodfire by moi.
Read 716 craft·design

10 June, 2008

Visiting the Mino Kilns by Janet Barriskill

I was fortunate to meet Janet Barriskill whilst at the 2008 Sturt Woodfire conference. Chatting over dinner I learnt that it was Janet who had written the book Visiting the Mino Kilns. The book was first published in 1995 by Wild Peony and, as far as I knew, was out of print.

After visiting Japan in 1973 Janet felt such an infinity with many of the people she met she studied for many years learning how to speak, read and write the language.

The book contains Janet's translation of the National Living Treasure Arakawa Toyozo's The Traditions and Techniques of Mino Pottery. Dorothy Hope says in her book review published in Pottery in Australia, Winter 1995, "With great sensitivity she (Janet) has been able to convey the essence of the written work of this humble, but influential potter, Arakawa Toyozo".

To my delight Janet had a number of copies and sent me one. A small number are still available and can be purchased from Sturt Gallery in Mittagong, John Freeland Gallery and All Hand Made Gallery in Sydney.

11 January, 2008

Proposed closure of the Glasgow School of Art Ceramics Department

Dear All,

I'm writing to all of you today, to ask for your support regarding the Glasgow School of Art Ceramics Department in Scotland, UK.

I have just received news that the Head of the School of Design, Professor Irene McAra McWilliam, announced to the student body today that the school is to stop accepting enrollments from new students in ceramics, with a view to closing the department down.

The official reason for the closure is that the department has not received enough interest from prospective students for keeping it running to remain a viable option. This, however, seems incorrect, as always in the past there have been more new applicants than places available.

With the recent amalgamation of the Ceramics Department at the Edinburgh College of Art with the Sculpture Department, it appears that all options for skills based degrees for ceramic artists in Scotland are being closed.

I have recently moved to Scotland and have been deeply involved with the Glasgow School of Art Ceramics Department while studying for my MPhil degree in Ceramics through the Australian National University. Indeed, the ANU has had a long standing exchange and working relationship with the Glasgow School of Art, as have many other institutions throughout the world.

Read more, give support .... e2r ceramics by Emilka Radlinska