vince pitelka on tue 20 nov 01
> Still, I have to side with Vince on the assertion that most
artists/potters/craftspeople of skill and reknown have no formal education.
Kelley -
Wait, let's clarify that. I said that when one looks at the broad scope of
art worldwide throughout human history, most great artwork was made by
people with no formal academic training. But aside from the Third World,
most of the finest potters active today are products of formal academic
education. I believe very strongly in academic education in art and clay,
and in the value of the BFA and MFA degrees.
Best wishes -
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Crafts
Tennessee Technological University
1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville TN 37166
Home - vpitelka@dtccom.net
615/597-5376
Work - wpitelka@tntech.edu
615/597-6801 ext. 111, fax 615/597-6803
http://www.craftcenter.tntech.edu/
primalmommy@IVILLAGE.COM on tue 20 nov 01
I think university programs are like pomegranates; those with the patience will find a way in, do the work, take the time, and come away with every last drop of juice. Unfortunately, those folks get the same degree as others who do the minimum required to get by.
Still, I have to side with Vince on the assertion that most artists/potters/craftspeople of skill and reknown have no formal education.
Even if we don't consider ourselves elitist or snobs, it's easy to forget how wide the world is, and how ancient human history. What we consider to be "higher education", and the world of terminal degrees, is barely a dot on the long continuum of human history (and prehistory). It also shows a bias toward literate/industrial/western/euro culture. And material wealth, of course. Add to that the fact that our halls of higher learning in the US and elsewhere were, until recently, off limits to women, minorities, and the working class.
So I'm a little suspicious of an exclusive society (ie: "artists") where the folks who have the credentials -- or hand out the credentials -- recognize only others with credentials as valid.
My folklorist bias showing again. I have met artists/craftsmen who would humble the loftiest prof -- and who signed their names with an X, having never learned to write.
Yours, Kelly in Ohio
Kelly Averill Savino
http://www.primalpotter.com
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Jim Murphy on wed 21 nov 01
After reading the previous posts, I sense a bit of tension building.
I submit my following brief thoughts/questions on this issue:
1. Who trained the very first potter ?
2. Although a line may be divided into my parts, if one's mission is to get
from point A to point B, is the path no less obvious ?
3. Is it possible to get a "PhD in results" without any degree at all ?
4. A bag of apples and oranges can be just a bag of fruit to some.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all !
Jim Murphy
John Baymore on sat 24 nov 01
Kelly,
My folklorist bias showing again. I have met artists/craftsmen who would
humble the loftiest prof -- and who signed their names with an X, having
never learned to write.
Oh so very true. Some stunning work is being done by such people all ov=
er
the globe. Same is true of many other media too..... there's blues
musicians sitting on front porches and street corners that blow the doors=
off many with recording contracts too. As someone else said in another
post.......... a lot depends on being in the right place at the right tim=
e.
Best,
..............................john
John Baymore
River Bend Pottery
22 Riverbend Way
Wilton, NH 03086 USA
603-654-2752 (s)
800-900-1110 (s)
JohnBaymore.com
JBaymore@compuserve.com
John.Baymore@GSD-CO.com
"Earth, Water, and Fire Noborigama Woodfiring Workshop 2002 Dates TBA"=
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