Canberra Potters'
Society Inc.
MEMBERS' EVENTS
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In response to the results of the Membership Survey taken towards the end of 2009, it has been decided to change the presentation of Members’ Events for 2010. This year there will be more events and they will be a mix of demonstrations, talks, group firings, studio and gallery visits and trips away from Canberra. Events will be on different days and at different times to enable as many members as possible to attend some of the events.
Look out for news of upcoming events here and in the CPS newsletter.
If CPS members have any suggestions for events, please contact Jane.
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WHEN: FRIDAY 26 MARCH 2010 at 7.30pm WHERE: CPS Studio
FREE - light refreshments
provided Growing up in Poland and studying art and ceramics there, Agnieszka has a very northern European influence in her work. This is refreshing for Australian viewers who are more accustomed to ceramic work influenced by Mediterranean and South East Asian cultures. Agnieszka joined the Canberra Potters' Society soon after she arrived in Canberra just a few years ago. She quickly became known for not only her original and engaging ceramics but also her sunny smile and her beautifully made felt jewellery. Perhaps you saw her mini-exhibition in the WAC gallery last month. Agniezska has also recently joined potters place so you can view her work there.
Agnieszka has agreed to talk to
Members about her art; about studying in Poland; about the ease
with which it is possible to experience inter-cultural
development in northern Europe; and to introduce the work of
some of her favourite Polish ceramists. |
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A morning of low temperature Smoke Firing for Decoration WHEN: Sunday 28 February at 10.00am WHERE: Behind the kiln shed at Watson Arts Centre BRING: 2 or 3 bisque'd pieces (max 30cm in any dimension) and 2 or 3 broadsheet newspapers. The work should be made of a smooth white or terracotta clay and a burnished surface is desirable. (N.B. Terra sigillata treated surfaces do not always accept smoke decoration at low temperatures as the surface is very tight. Manual burnishing is to be preferred for this firing).
NB
In the event of A
TOTAL FIRE BAN this event will be postponed.
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Low temperature smoke decoration with string, tape and sgraffito detail |
| 1000 POTS and much, much MORE - A Churchillian Experience | |
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August 09 members' event with Jane Crick The programme for the 43rd Conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, held in Phoenix, Arizona, was very full with many concurrent sessions. Each day I read the programme and prioritised what I would attend. Many of the lectures were written up in part or in full in the NCECA Journal and so it was possible to make informed decisions about which sessions would be most pertinent to my project. Many thoughts for teachers to consider came from the discussion session ‘What Works?’ – motivation, morale, competition, collaboration, positive reaction and rewards, adventure and extension, communication, critique (aesthetics, content, craft), passion and fun can all be incorporated into classes and workshops.
Influences, symbolism, process,
scale, personal vocabulary, social issues, whether works are
sculptural or functional are all qualities which can be
discussed, related and evaluated and appreciation of which can
be taught. I have learnt a new motto, “Showcase what you do!” Without exception the studios I visited had a gallery exhibiting examples of the work made in that studio. The motto can also be applied to the promotion of workshops. I have also learnt that it is quite possible to throw exhibition quality pots while watching the rodeo on TV and listening to Blue Grass music at full volume......
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July 09 members' event report by Jane Crick An evening with Lindsay Oesterritter On Tuesday 14th July, at very short notice, a small number of CPS members were fortunate enough to be present at a most interesting and well-presented talk by Lindsay Oesterritter. Lindsay is currently artist-in-residence at Strathnairn. She is a wood-firer with particular interest in the reaction of unglazed clay to the flame. She attended Utah State University where, under the tutelage of John Neely and his team, she developed many clay bodies and researched their response to wood-firing and particularly to colour development during reduction cooling. Lindsay explained very clearly what she meant by "reduction cooling" as it was a term new to many who were present. In most reduction firings with wood or gas the kiln damper is closed, or partly closed, near the end of the firing to reduce the oxygen in the atmosphere in the kiln and then there is often a short period of reoxidation before the kiln is clamped up and allowed to cool naturally. In "reduction cooling" the kiln is fired to it's top temperature, with reduction, and then after the kiln has been clamped the fire is occasionally fed with small amounts of fuel to ensure that the atmosphere in the kiln remains starved of oxygen while the temperature drops. This ensures that the clay body remains reduced and retains any of the colours developed during the firing. Lindsay is not a fan of huge ash deposits on pots but she particularly likes the contrast between the honey coloured natural ash glazed areas and the "cranberry" reds of the clay body she prefers. Lindsay illustrated her talk with images of her simple forms with peaceful surfaces, with a lot of the "cranberry" she looks for. Thank you Lindsay for a most informative and enjoyable presentation.
Photo source Internet - http://www.avicam.com/profile/oesterritter.php |
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May 09 members' event report by Jane Crick The Benalla Community Mural with Lisa Baier |
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On 29th May a small group of CPS members gathered to be totally enthralled by Lisa Baier's presentation on her "personal addiction" - the Benalla Ceramic Mural. The history and recent working on the mural are well detailed in the latest issue of the Journal of Australian Ceramics (issue 48/1). Lisa expanded on her personal involvement with the mural and gave a stimulating and informative visual presentation referencing the development of the community artwork - a 25-year project to date - to the work of Antonio Gaudi, internationally acclaimed Spanish architect. The curves, cupolas and mosaics of the mural are certainly reminiscent of those seen in Barcelona, whilst the continuing theme represents a very Australian ethos. The Benalla council have now decreed that the mural must be finished by 2010; volunteers are still needed to ensure that the work is finished. For those who missed this exciting event - I feel sorry for you. There are brochures about the Benalla Mural in the committee room if you wish to find out more. It would be a fascinating short detour on a trip to Melbourne and maybe you will become as addicted as Lisa. |
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March 09 members' event report by Jane Crick Anita McIntyre What a pleasure it was to welcome Anita McIntyre to the Canberra Potters' Society studio. Those members who came on what was the first evening of the long weekend holiday were not disappointed. Anita spoke with enthusiasm and humour of her early-life love of painting and her experience as a High School student in Queanbeyan having to study "ART" by distance education as "ART" was not offered in the general curriculum. She told of her discovery that painting did not have to be a literal illustration of what was seen but could be an expression of ideas in an abstract way. After leaving school Anita continued to pursue painting and after a few years it was suggested to her that she should also try "pottery". Like so many of us she fell in love with clay and has used it to express her art for many years now. Shortly after completing her tertiary qualification at what is now the ANU Canberra School of Art, Anita joined the staff of that establishment and she continued there until her retirement from full time teaching in 2003, and is still involved as a Visiting Fellow.
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This information last updated 28/02/10