R:evolution – tradition – technology

/ Canadian Clay Symposium/

 

The 7th Triennial Canadian Clay Symposium

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

REGISTER BEFORE JANUARY 15th!

 

How timely. A Symposium dedicated to a topic we all ponder these days. The Why’s, the How’s and the If’s we consider when thinking about the role technology may play in our ceramics practices and studios. Where do you stand? Are you informed? Join us to explore and contrast the differences between traditional and technological approaches to working with clay. Come on… you know you want to!

R:evolution – tradition – technology, is a one day ceramics symposium for ceramic arts students and professionals that 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.

This newsletter will continue to provide information about each of the ten Symposium presenters as well as other Symposium materials. Check the website for listings of gallery exhibits and workshop opportunities related to the Symposium. http://www.canadianclaysymposium.com

 

Jason Walker is currently a Bellingham based studio artist currently working in Hawaii. Jason is well respected as an artist, teacher and presenter. He has taught and lectured extensively at locations including Emily Carr University, the Archie Bray Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution, the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, the Haystack Mountain and Penland Schools for the Crafts as well as in Jingdezhen, China and Kecskemet, Hungary. Jason’s finely detailed and crafted work is included in many collections around North America.

“The culture I live in does not emphasize our physical connection and dependence on nature. The current ideology is reliant upon technology, and it promotes disembodied activity such as television [and] computers… The gap between man-made and natural is ever increasing. Light bulbs, plugs, power-lines and pipes that grow from the earth are common images found in my work, juxtaposed with birds, insects, and organic matter such as leaves and trees. Similar to the thinking of the Hudson River School of painting, I attempt to portray nature’s vastness and human-kind as a small proponent of it. Yet I draw the small things of nature large and the huge creations of man small.” – Jason Walker

Learn more about Jason and see many examples of his work at http://jasonwalkerceramics.com/

 

Ruthanne Tudball was born and grew up in Southern California where the surrounding landscape later provided inspiration for her pots and surfaces. Moving to England in 1968, Ruthanne’s early throwing skills were mostly self-taught before completing post-graduate study at Goldsmiths’ College, London. Ruthanne has been a full time potter now since 1989, becoming an internationally renowned potter specializing in salt and soda glazed ceramics. Ruthanne has given workshops worldwide, recently in India, Australia, and South Africa, and has exhibited across the United Kingdom, Europe, USA, and Japan. Her 1995 book “Soda Glazing” is a favourite reference for atmospheric firing and her work is included in museum collections in Oxford, Shanghai, and Taipei.

 “My inspiration comes mainly from the natural world around me and the energy in the evolving landscape celebrating the rhythms and creative forces of the earth and the human body. Work which concerns itself with the highlighted areas and shadows, shiny and matt surfaces and textural qualities punctuated by the play of fire and vapour is what I endeavour to achieve. I see my work as a potter as an active participation in a way of life that is celebrating the beauty of the world around us and the intimacy of human relationships, enjoyment, caring and warmth.” – Ruthanne Tudball

 

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 #3: Jason Walker & Ruthanne Tudball.pdf (click to download this article)