R:evolution – tradition – technology

/ Canadian Clay Symposium/

The 7th Triennial Canadian Clay Symposium

Saturday, March 18th, 2017 - Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby, BC

 

We are regularly faced with technological advances in our day to day life, but what about in our studios? Are you finding new and exciting ways to use modern digital technologies in the creation or marketing of your work… or finding ways to continue to explore your making more traditionally? The 7th Canadian Clay Symposium offers you an opportunity to dip your toes into the technological pool to explore fresh creative opportunities.

R:evolution – tradition – technology, a one day ceramics symposium for ceramic arts students and professionals, brings together ten nationally and internationally recognized artists to share and explore the ways contemporary ceramic artists interact with and employ new digital technologies. Presenters will discuss and demonstrate how they use technology as a tool for making work, in their artistic enquiry, or as a means to connect with peers and their market. Presentations will cover theoretical topics as well as practical techniques in areas such as sculpture, hand-building, wheel-throwing, glaze and firing technology and clay bodies, offering an opportunity to investigate the relevance and role of traditional methods in contemporary society.

Continue to watch this newsletter for information about each of the ten Symposium presenters as well as reports about other events and workshops that will run in conjunction with the Symposium.

Katrina Chaytor has been a faculty member at the Alberta College of Art and Design since 2001. Alongside her teaching profession, Katrina maintains an active studio practice and national and international exhibition schedule. Katrina is a popular presenter who has conducted workshops and/or enjoyed residency and research opportunities in Mexico, Greece, Crete, the United States, Italy, France and England. Katrina is grateful to have her work recognized through a number of awards including the Alberta Craft Council Award of Honour in 2010.

"Decoration is integral to my research and pottery practice in its capacity to be both performative - delighting the eye, and informative - as a cultural carrier of meaning. In my current work, I “mine” our digital culture, embedding computer icons and symbols into decorative compositions on my ceramic works; synthesizing the digital with a decorative intent. Computer icons are signs of the technological environment of our 21st century society that permeates both the personal and public domains of our lives, as we navigate and communicate in this digital terrain of hashtags, @’s, cursors and clouds. Beauty and “delighting the eye”… is achieved when the icons are repeated, layered, patterned, overlapped and imbued with coloured glazes on the surfaces of my pottery.”

Learn more about Katrina and her work at www.katrinachaytor.com

 

James C. Watkins is a ceramic artist who has been working professionally with clay for over 30 years.  His work is included in the White House Collection of American Crafts, and the Shigaraki Institute of Ceramic Studies in Shigaraki, Japan. James teaches Architectural Ceramics and Architectural Drawing in the College of Architecture at Texas Tech University where he received the President’s Excellence in Teaching Award. Mr. Watkins is also a Paul Whitfield Horn Professor, the highest honor that Texas Tech University may bestow on members of its faculty in recognition of national and international distinction for outstanding research or other creative scholarly achievements.  James has co-authored two books, “Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques” and “Architectural Delineation, Presentation Techniques and Projects”.  His work is also the subject of a book entitled “A Meditation of Fire the Art of James C. Watkins” by Kippra D. Hopper. 

  • James is known for his large scale double-walled ceramic vessels and laser cut porcelain substrate tiles. He is recognized for his textured surfaces, created by using alternative firing techniques, as well as his colourful lustered surfaces created through multi-firings and fuming.

 

Learn More!

For full symposium information, please visit http://www.canadianclaysymposium.com

  • All participants must be pre-registered.

  • Registration is now open. Early Bird Registration is $125 for Adults or $110 for Seniors and Post-Secondary Students (plus GST) until January 15th, after that date Registration will be $150 for Adults or $131.25 for Seniors (plus GST).

  • The Senior & Student Discount is only available through phone, in-person and mail-in registration, on-line registration includes only the pricing option for regular Adult registration.

  •  All Fees include lunch.

  • Register by mail (cheque payable to the City of Burnaby) or by phone to set up a new account: 604-291-6864.

  • Those previously registered in Burnaby programs can access webreg online at: www.burnaby.ca/webreg

 

Newsletter #2: Katrina Chaytor & James Watkins.pdf (click to download this article)