Dannon Rhudy on mon 22 mar 99
I'm back from NCECA later than some, and have had the list set for
no mail, so don't know if I'm just repeating what others have had
to say already. But I'll make a brief report, anyway.
It was a pretty good conference, all told. There were a number of
interesting presentations, including quite a few by clayart folks.
The mug exchange was a lot of fun, but the crush the night of the
exchange was ridiculous. Seemed like there were about 100 people
in a place which could accomodate 12...but probably I exaggerate.
I don't know how many participated in the exchange, but no doubt
someone does, and will post it. I got a cup of Mishy Lowe's, a rich
oribe, thank you, Mishy.
It was a great pleasure to meet a lot of clay art people I'd known only
by name, and some I'd not known at all. What a great group. Lots of
laughter in the clayart room. A goodish measure of thanks to Bill Jones
and Pottery Making Illustrated, who provided that space for all to enjoy
(well, just conceivably those domiciled in the same corridor might not
have enjoyed it so much. But maybe they were all NCECA attendees.)
There were, as one would expect, a lot of exhibitions: good, pretty good,
pretty bad. In fact, just like all NCECA's, without a doubt.
The Ceramics Monthly exhibition was a very strong exhibit, some excellent
work in there, and a marvelous variety. No theme - it was very eclectic. A
good show.
Of all the exhibits that I saw, my personal favorite was an exhibition of
the work of Ed Eberle. This work was exquisite, all black and white, large
thrown porcelain vessel forms, altered to a significant degree. The surfaces
were covered with figurative drawings, and the vessel feet and lids covered
with delicate and intricate geometric designs. But the forms themselves
were so strong
that if they had been completely blank, they still would have been remarkable.
If you get an opportunity to see some of his work in person, don't miss it.
Just as a bit of lagnippe, in the same museum there was an exhibit of Japanese
bamboo baskets. Beautifully made, wonderful to see. There was also an
installation piece in a small adjoining room of a huge barrel balanced
(apparently) on a rope... but I don't quite know how to
describe it so that it would make sense. So I won't - those who got to see
it were lucky. A delight. Made me smile and smile.
It is very tired out tonight. And after all that stimulation, I think I
hear the
studio calling....but not before tomorrow.
Dannon Rhudy
potter@koyote.com
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