Maurice Weitman on sat 17 dec 05
Happy Saturday, folks, even if it is a bit on the gloomy, drizzly
side as it is here.
I think it was Ms. Priddy who thought that Voulkos's work might have
had an influence on Beth Cavener Stichter. I don't know about that.
In fact, aside for a similar exuberance of form, I wouldn't make that
connection.
And although some provided a link to Beth's web pages, I noticed no
mention of her appearance at NCECA in Baltimore last March as one of
the featured demonstrators.
For me, even though I'm mainly a functional potter, she stole the
show. I felt badly for the other two who shared the stage with her.
Anyhow, her web pages don't show
her in action, as far as I could tell.
For those of you who missed her at NCECA or haven't otherwise seen
her at work, I put three small pics of her in action on the web:
As I recall, that rabbit is about a ton of clay, and she spends
MONTHS hollowing it out, mostly with a BUTTER KNIFE. Perhaps I have
some facts wrong there, but that's the idea.
Although you can get a sense of how she works, and the scale of the
pieces from these pics, her web pages contain a detailed description
of her AMAZING process.
Her energy, skill, eye, life values, and devotion to her craft are
something to behold.
I've also seen mention of workshops she's giving. I heartily
recommend being in the same room with her as she works.
Regards,
Maurice
Ever wonder what 2000 looks like?
Linda Ferzoco on sat 17 dec 05
Thanks Maurice for enlightening me. I had no idea they were so big. And to think I emailed her one time to ask about purchasing one. Fat chance! It would break the bank AND the floor.
I love the work. Definitely not Disney bunnies!
Linda
California
Maurice Weitman wrote:
For those of you who missed her at NCECA or haven't otherwise seen
her at work, I put three small pics of her in action on the web:
Dennis Tobin on sun 18 dec 05
We just had Beth at Miami University for a two day workshop and
lectures. During that time she mentioned that her initiation into clay
was from being a sculpture major at Haverford. They focused in life
studies with plastic clay and never kept anything she made. In her
undergraduate education she had very little to any exposure to a
"ceramic education." Once out of undergrad she did spend some time at
Appalachain Center for Crafts and The Clay Studio in Philly. She went
to OSU for grad school where she learned more about firing and the
such. Also according to her she wished she had more of a ceramic
background and new more ceramic folks( gurus is I think they are called
on here).
My opinion is that she gave one of the most refreshing demos at NCECA
and the most genuine that we at Miami University have ever had. What is
unique about Beth is that she brings a sculpture background to
ceramics, not unlike Anthony Caro. In my opinion it crosses boundaries,
the boundaries so many of of us find comfort staying in. Which is
liberating for all of us that have an open and creative mind. Like many
of you, my first NCECA was in Ann Arbor in 79 or 80, cant really
remember the exact year. In those 25 years there have only been a few
people that have challenged, pushed at, broke those boundaries. I feel
Beth is a true rising star and if anyone has a chance to attend her
workshops and do not, well it is your loss.
Dennis Tobin
On Dec 17, 2005, at 2:24 PM, Maurice Weitman wrote:
> Happy Saturday, folks, even if it is a bit on the gloomy, drizzly
> side as it is here.
>
> I think it was Ms. Priddy who thought that Voulkos's work might have
> had an influence on Beth Cavener Stichter. I don't know about that.
> In fact, aside for a similar exuberance of form, I wouldn't make that
> connection.
>
> And although some provided a link to Beth's web pages, I noticed no
> mention of her appearance at NCECA in Baltimore last March as one of
> the featured demonstrators.
>
> For me, even though I'm mainly a functional potter, she stole the
> show. I felt badly for the other two who shared the stage with her.
>
> Anyhow, her web pages don't show
> her in action, as far as I could tell.
>
> For those of you who missed her at NCECA or haven't otherwise seen
> her at work, I put three small pics of her in action on the web:
>
>
>
>
>
> As I recall, that rabbit is about a ton of clay, and she spends
> MONTHS hollowing it out, mostly with a BUTTER KNIFE. Perhaps I have
> some facts wrong there, but that's the idea.
>
> Although you can get a sense of how she works, and the scale of the
> pieces from these pics, her web pages contain a detailed description
> of her AMAZING process.
>
> Her energy, skill, eye, life values, and devotion to her craft are
> something to behold.
>
> I've also seen mention of workshops she's giving. I heartily
> recommend being in the same room with her as she works.
>
> Regards,
> Maurice
>
> Ever wonder what 2000 looks like?
>
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>
Associate Professor of Art
Admissions Coordinator
Art Department
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-1505
tobinde@muohio.edu
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