Bobbi Bassett on mon 30 apr 01
What a weekend!
Art and I went to The Creative Oasis for Sheila and Tony Clennell's works=
hop.
It was one of the best workshops we've gone to... and I think only 2 of t=
he
participants were not on Clayart, more names with faces now.
The Creative Oasis is a gem of a facility. If you live anywhere within
driving distance of State College, PA, check it out. If you don't you are
missing something great. Attending a workshop there is a very comfortable=
and
educational experience. Dave and Charles bend over backwards to accommoda=
te
and make you welcome. AND to get great talent for their workshops. Next
weekend Seth Cardew will be there all the way from England. If there is a=
ny
way you can get there....DO IT ! Call today. You lose if you miss this
opportunity. (check the end of this post for a repeat of the info on this
workshop)
Now to Tony and Sheila... if you have the opportunity to attend one of th=
eir
workshops take advantage of it. They are very organized and present a ton=
of
material in 2 days. Both, former teachers, seem to have it down to a scie=
nce
without being obvious about it. Having a brother who is a teacher made me
aware of it. They are giving and sharing and warm. All the way home I kep=
t
remembering more and more of what they demo-ed and said. I can't wait to =
get
to the studio today. Much of what I do as a full time potter is done by r=
ote.
They gave me new ideas to make my work easier and perhaps better. Sheila
demo-ed her famous handles. What an artistic touch they add to her work. =
And
they don't say "made in China"...... how I hate THOSE handles.
To top off a wonderful weekend I was able to purchase a serving tray afte=
r
watching Sheila weave a handle onto it. Just when I thought it couldn't g=
et
any better, Tony and Sheila had a drawing for one of their teapot/cup set=
s
and Art won it.... and my tray will hold the biscuits. We are still on a
high, as you might guess.
While I'm on this non-drug high I'd better get to the studio.
Bobbi in PA
(alias Tony's thorn)
--------------------------------------------------
Next Friday (May 4th) I will be picking up Mr. Cardew from the airport
and bringing him to The Creative Oasis 133 E. Beaver Avenue State
College, PA (814) 237-1982
http://www.thecreativeoasis.com/SP2001Workshops/VisitingArtists/
SethCardew.html for two days (May 5 and 6)of teaching, philosophy,
discussion and decorating. The Cardew name is well known through
pottery circles across the world. This will be Seth's first stop in a tou=
r
to celebrate the re-release of his fathers book Pioneer Pottery. It is
unlikely
he will pass through PA again. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Seth w=
ill
have many stories from both his life and his fathers life. I encourage =3D
you to visit his website at http://www.wenfordbridge.com/ and see what =3D
kind of tradition this man comes from. Their kiln shed is as big as our =3D
studio and we have a BIG studio!
Day One: Philosophy of clay, wheel throwing beginning with bowls, =3D
progressing to mugs and a variety of other shapes. Handles and =3D
proportion will be covered.
Day Two : Goes on from the above adding the trimming of flatware, =3D
expounds on assembling pots, teapots and other lidded ware and =3D
decoration as banding, brushwork, sgraffiti and slip trailing. The =3D
workshop is always customised to fit the personal preferences and needs =3D
of the sponsor and audience.=3D20
Seth comes to us from the pottery at Wenford Bridge which was founded =3D
in 1939 beside the Camel River in a quiet corner of England. It remains =3D
today, a living tribute to the art of handmade pottery. Stoneware is =3D
wood-fired there as it has been for centuries. Students come from many =3D
parts of the world to study under the patient and attentive touch of =3D
master potter, Seth Cardew.=3D20
But not only at Wenford Bridge can one experience this unique learning =3D
opportunity: Seth carries his dynamic personality and uncanny ability to =
=3D
teach, to convey concepts, philosophies and practical knowledge to =3D
enthusiastic audiences at universities, colleges, museums and guilds =3D
throughout much of the English speaking world. He demonstrates at a =3D
potter's wheel and lectures on topics such as line, shape, proportion, =3D
visual rhyme, repetition and echo. He expounds his personal philosophy =3D
of simplicity, honesty and unity within the shape of the pot and in =3D
doing so makes new and exciting concepts and skills accessible to =3D
students of all experience levels.=3D20
-Charles Hughes
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