Maurice Weitman on fri 17 mar 06
After I saw the program for this year's NCECA, I actually thought I
just might say no. I printed it out, highlighter in hand, ready to
begin resolving the conflicts I'd have with too many great things
happening at the same time. Incredulously, there were no conflicts
to resolve. In fact, I think I'd found only three, maybe four things
I really thought I'd want to see.
I think this year's program was the weakest of the last four I've
attended (for a potter ... educators would likely have a different
take... at least I HOPE they would... it's got to be good for
someone!).
NCECA means a lot to me... it was on the Friday of San Diego's
conference three years ago (which also happened to be my birthday),
that I decided I would spend the rest of my life as a potter. It was
the first time I'd been around so many potters at once, and I felt
that these (you) were MY people.
Being a potter is not a hobby for me, as joyful as it is. You get
that. This is (or will be) my livelihood. I am not wealthy, have
quite limited savings, pension, etc., am married to a public school
teacher, and need to make money by selling my pots.
I had joined clayart less than a month before San Diego NCECA and
didn't know any of you well enough to think about getting together.
By the time Indianapolis came around, I'd gotten to know my way
around clayart and met and spent some time with many of you. That
put NCECA over the top for me as a "must-do."
I can understand why Tony, Mel, and many others here would gain
little to help them improve their work. As much as my work can be
improved by what I see at NCECA, there are other things that get
improved there. I got an embarrassing amount of "stuff" from many of
you, other potters, vendors, demonstrators, and pots. POTS...
thousands of great pots. Many of which I could pick up and fondle
without limit. Pots, that is.
The main thing NCECA has going for it is the sheer amount of energy
people and organizations put into it. Each NCECA city I've visited
has put on a great show for us visitors. Fabulous shows with the
best of the best. Not like museums where you can drool over a Song
or Goryeo dynasty pot, behind glass, of course. But right there in
front of you... nothing (besides another drooler) between you and the
pot.
I got to pick up and FEEL some wonderful pots. And you betcha that
will improve my work. As will the hours I spent with my claybuds,
talking about glazes, firing, family, politics, fears, joys... all of
that. I feel more bound to this, them, you. it. And the
connecting/bonding one can do face-to-face STILL beats any online
experience.
I did this one on the cheap... I drove (1600 miles round-trip -- with
diversions) to Portland, stayed with friends across town, didn't buy
TOO much STUFF, ate pretty well. So... maybe $500... probably a bit
less. Less than a conference that's nearby, never mind Italy.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE workshops... very stimulating and
educational in their own, special way, and I'll keep doing those that
offer something for me. Potter's Council regional ones are terrific.
I'm still kicking myself for having missed Mendocino last year and
Michigan the year before that. Stephani's tile conf was great and
I'll surely enjoy and benefit from the upcoming Sunnyvale deal.
It seems to me that NCECA really isn't for potters. It's for
educators. Says so. I'd love to know how many attendees identify
themselves as each. It's too bad that they can't have more
parallel-tracked lectures, panels, etc. Maybe they think they do...
Louis Katz says "Get on the NCECA Board to make a difference."
Who'll do it?
Oh, sure, there are disappointments and failures at every NCECA...
the busses are a fittingly huge target for derision. And having a
room for many hundreds (thousands, even) of people wanting to
actually SEE what's going on at the simultaneous demonstrations seems
kinda like a setup for failure. They probably could and certainly
SHOULD do a much better job at that.
While I'm here... I'd like to pull on your coats about the clayart
mug exchange for a minute. It's certainly a highlight of the week,
and I very much appreciate all the work the muggettes do, and seeing
all the "mugs" for the days leading up to it.
You may recall that the message about the exchange says, in part:
"The Exchange is open to all members of the Clayart Internet Discussion Group."
and
"Part of the point, and fun, of the Mug Exchange is to meet new
Clayart friends."
I don't know about you, but when the mug exchange finally happened,
there appeared lots of people I'd not seen before. And it happened
that the person who got my mug was, I believe, one of Lee
Burningham's students. I have no idea whether he is actually a
member of clayart, but I sure didn't recognize him or his name.
But IF the idea is that the exchange be made between MEMBERS of
clayart, wouldn't it be better if these were ACTIVE members, those
who take part in some of the discussions? I know this adds another
layer of complexity to the thing, but I'd love to share the
experience with folks who are at least somewhat visible on clayart.
Okay, that's it.
For the record, I really, really enjoyed my time in Portland, and
look forward to Louisville and beyond. Probably won't drive there,
though. And I sure hope my buds Alisa, Angie, and Kathy make it next
year!!! And if Heidi and Susan don't come, I'm stayin' home! Or
going to Italy!
Regards,
Maurice
Steve Slatin on fri 17 mar 06
Stacey --
I'm more with you than Tony, but there are some
cases where he is right. If you could afford
just one event in a year, know exactly what you
want to learn and you have an opportunity to
study that OR as an alternative go to NCECA (or
take in a ski weekend in Vail) you go and study
what you want to learn.
Maybe this year for Taylor the wood-fire workshop
is the right thing to do.
Where you're right is that some of us do have
changes in our work post-NCECA. At a workshop
you learn mostly how to do some particular thing.
I found I learned lots of ideas about what to do
-- but not always how. I have a half-shelf of
pre-NCECA stuff in my workshop and a half-shelf
of post-NCECA. It's very different.
I don't know if I'll keep with the newer things;
I'll need to change some glazes and so on, but
my work is already different.
-- Steve Slatin
--- Stacey and Gary Ballard
wrote:
> Thank God I went to NCECA....because I am a
> lonely, cross-dressing, ceramic
> artist that has no galleries close by. (hee
> hee) I would like to
> respectfully disagree with Tony on this one...I
> believe my work will be
> influenced by my trip to Portland.
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
clennell on fri 17 mar 06
Some time ago Taylor wrote me saying he had limited moola and was wondering
if he should go to Portland. I advised "no!". If you work alone and are
lonely for clay company go to Nceca, if you have something to flog go to
Nceca, if you like to cross dress go to nceca, if you need to see some great
work and don't have any great galleries nearby go to Nceca, if you want to
dig up some workshops or speaking engagements go to Nceca, if you want to
pitch an idea for a column to CM, CT, PMI or others go to Nceca, if you want
tiny samplings of good potters talks or demos go to Nceca.
If you want to make better work there are better ways. David h recommends
staying at home unplugging the phone and having meals catered for two weeks.
Selfishly make work for YOU!
I recommended Taylor save his money and go to the Woodfire Conference in
Flagstaff. T wants to be a wood coon. he will be one on one with a small
bunch (probably 200) devoted wood coons of all ages and experience. his work
will change. He will go home with clay bodies, glazes, kiln designs, firing
schedules and buddies he can call on about woodfiring. He will get more bang
for his buck than Nceca could ever give him.
Of all the Clayarters that have posted to Clayart about Nceca i have not
heard one say their work has changed. I've heard about a lot of hugs and
kisses and great company but nothing about new work.
Spend the same money and go to ACC, Penland, Haystack and improve your work.
If you got the do ray me do it all. If you're on a budget and your work is
on your mind do a workshop. I think I gave good advice to T.
cheers,
tony
Tony and Sheila Clennell
Sour Cherry Pottery
4545 King Street
Beamsville, Ontario
CANADA L0R 1B1
http://www.sourcherrypottery.com
Hank Murrow on fri 17 mar 06
On Mar 17, 2006, at 2:37 PM, clennell wrote:
> Of all the Clayarters that have posted to Clayart about Nceca i have
> not
> heard one say their work has changed. I've heard about a lot of hugs
> and
> kisses and great company but nothing about new work.
> Spend the same money and go to ACC, Penland, Haystack and improve your
> work.
> If you got the do ray me do it all. If you're on a budget and your
> work is
> on your mind do a workshop. I think I gave good advice to T.
Dear Tony;
Or as in my case, Make new work for NCECA, Go to NCECA with new work,
show the new work, and hug everyone in sight. Be a participant, not a
voyeur.
Cheers back atcha,
Hank, who missed his gallery schlepp with Tony and Sheila this year.
www.murrow.biz/hank
marianne kuiper milks on fri 17 mar 06
Dear Tony,
When I read your post, I realized that I had not written, indeed, about my personal reactions to NCECA. The "things" that went under my skin, where it should be. Either you missed it, or I didn't get to it yet.
This morning I answered/sent some emails while waiting for other things...a bucket to fill...tools to clean. Then I got to work and that's what I did all day long.
NCECA showed me what I do not want from myself any longer, what I need to do and that I have to stop making "stuff". Or dreaming about that "idea". It is not where I am at (yet) and NCECA made me see that clearly.
My whole life I have been in a hurry to do things yesterday. The only accomplishment I had that could not be hurried was to become a good performer, better than most. Oh, and to give birth..because I had no choice there but to wait :-)
At NCECA I learned a real lesson. I want to KNOW what I am doing, PLAN when and how, do not settle for LESS than I am capable of and be PATIENT. It showed in all the work I saw. Work of peoples' life-time. What nerve do I have to presume I can catch up with these marvelous artists,,take short-cuts?
Someone ( Phil??) a long time ago advised me to make endless handles to cups, until they were right. I made at least 20-and that was enough. I was sure.
So, now I've made myself a program and am ignoring all other previous plans, hopes and dreams. Enough. I will make those 50 mugs (100? 200??), 50 cups, 25 small bowls and larger ones, or more, until I have control and know that I could show each one to a real potter. I am starting from scratch because that is what I came home with from NCECA. Encouraged by the truth. And by kind Clayarters.
While I work my testing kiln is firing. While I work with clay, I carefully repeat and note my glaze testing. Here I do have a teacher: Lili is by my side. Couldn't be better.
When I was 13 years old I won 1st place in my age category with the national piano competition in the Netherlands. My Chopin flew and wailed. When I was 14 I did it again, this time with Mozart's pianoconcerto in A. It was crisp, clear and musical. When I was 17 my conservatory piano professor asked me whether I wanted to learn to play the piano, or attend the Indi 500. I realised that I jammed piano and couldn't fool him.
I feel that way about clay, except that I haven't played Chopin or Mozart yet. Perhaps I am ahead of that game this time : in time to fix before too many errors are engrained.
I am proud of what I learned, even though it hurt to be honest to myself. I looked at Bacia's work..at Sandy's, Hank's and so many others.
So...where should I go this summer and receive real instruction? Back to what I need? Penland...Haystack...Toronto?
Let me know, and I'm glad you brought that up. Wishing you another geat day,
Marianne
clennell wrote: Some time ago Taylor wrote me saying he had limited moola and was wondering
if he should go to Portland. I advised "no!". If you work alone and are
lonely for clay company go to Nceca, if you have something to flog go to
Nceca, if you like to cross dress go to nceca, if you need to see some great
work and don't have any great galleries nearby go to Nceca, if you want to
dig up some workshops or speaking engagements go to Nceca, if you want to
pitch an idea for a column to CM, CT, PMI or others go to Nceca, if you want
tiny samplings of good potters talks or demos go to Nceca.
If you want to make better work there are better ways. David h recommends
staying at home unplugging the phone and having meals catered for two weeks.
Selfishly make work for YOU!
I recommended Taylor save his money and go to the Woodfire Conference in
Flagstaff. T wants to be a wood coon. he will be one on one with a small
bunch (probably 200) devoted wood coons of all ages and experience. his work
will change. He will go home with clay bodies, glazes, kiln designs, firing
schedules and buddies he can call on about woodfiring. He will get more bang
for his buck than Nceca could ever give him.
Of all the Clayarters that have posted to Clayart about Nceca i have not
heard one say their work has changed. I've heard about a lot of hugs and
kisses and great company but nothing about new work.
Spend the same money and go to ACC, Penland, Haystack and improve your work.
If you got the do ray me do it all. If you're on a budget and your work is
on your mind do a workshop. I think I gave good advice to T.
cheers,
tony
Tony and Sheila Clennell
Sour Cherry Pottery
4545 King Street
Beamsville, Ontario
CANADA L0R 1B1
http://www.sourcherrypottery.com
______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
---------------------------------
Brings words and photos together (easily) with
PhotoMail - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail.
clennell on fri 17 mar 06
Sour Cherry Pottery
> I am proud of what I learned, even though it hurt to be honest to myself. I
> looked at Bacia's work..at Sandy's, Hank's and so many others.
>
> So...where should I go this summer and receive real instruction? Back to what
> I need? Penland...Haystack...Toronto?
>
> Let me know, and I'm glad you brought that up. Wishing you another geat day,
>
> Marianne
marianne: I luv Nceca but it is not where I would go to improve my work.
When my kids where picking courses at university i told them pick the
teacher not the subject. A good teacher can make glaze chemistry
interesting- watch the glaze geeks jump on me for that one!
I like to look at my clay career in 3 different categories clay(throwing,
handbuilding), glaze, firing. Pick the one you think you are weakest in and
tackle it. Pick a teacher that not only knows his/her stuff but can teach
it. Many on this list are near genius in glazes but can they teach? Many
make great pots but can they teach? Many fire kilns to near perfection but
can they teach? Pick a teacher! Teaching ought to be the highest paid
profession in the world.
Save your money and come to Italy in May 2007 - 2 weeks with me making and
woodfiring and 2 weeks with malcolm Davis making soot. how's that for more
of my shameless self promotion. I may be short on many things, but i can
teach and love doing it!!! Bet your farm on it!
cheers,
Tony
Tony and Sheila Clennell
Sour Cherry Pottery
4545 King Street
Beamsville, Ontario
CANADA L0R 1B1
http://www.sourcherrypottery.com
Stacey and Gary Ballard on fri 17 mar 06
Thank God I went to NCECA....because I am a lonely, cross-dressing, ceramic
artist that has no galleries close by. (hee hee) I would like to
respectfully disagree with Tony on this one...I believe my work will be
influenced by my trip to Portland.
I was unable to stay through all the demo's, but I learned a lot (the
photography discussion in the Clayart room being the best. IMO)
The other potters work I was able to see and appreciate, gives me the
ability to see what others are doing, how I should push my own comfort zones
and how I can improve on my pieces (glazes, thickness, techniques)
On the large scale that the conference is, you can't expect the small, more
personal benefits you can get from a class or workshop....but that's where
the Clayarter's make the NCECA Conference even more worth the time and
money. I learned and shared marketing ideas, glaze issues and again, how to
push myself beyond what I am doing now and to expand my work.
I have been selling my work for the last 5 years and being mostly self
taught and living in a small town, NCECA was a blessing and worth every
penny!
Love & Light,
Stacey Ballard
In South Lake Tahoe, CA. now looking forward to the upcoming workshop in
Sunnyvale at the end of April and hoping it will stop snowing by then.
----- Original Message -----
From: "clennell"
To:
Sent: Friday, March 17, 2006 2:37 PM
Subject: Say "no" to Nceca
> Some time ago Taylor wrote me saying he had limited moola and was
wondering
> if he should go to Portland. I advised "no!". If you work alone and are
> lonely for clay company go to Nceca, if you have something to flog go to
> Nceca, if you like to cross dress go to nceca, if you need to see some
great
> work and don't have any great galleries nearby go to Nceca, if you want to
> dig up some workshops or speaking engagements go to Nceca, if you want to
> pitch an idea for a column to CM, CT, PMI or others go to Nceca, if you
want
> tiny samplings of good potters talks or demos go to Nceca.
> If you want to make better work there are better ways. David h recommends
> staying at home unplugging the phone and having meals catered for two
weeks.
> Selfishly make work for YOU!
> I recommended Taylor save his money and go to the Woodfire Conference in
> Flagstaff. T wants to be a wood coon. he will be one on one with a small
> bunch (probably 200) devoted wood coons of all ages and experience. his
work
> will change. He will go home with clay bodies, glazes, kiln designs,
firing
> schedules and buddies he can call on about woodfiring. He will get more
bang
> for his buck than Nceca could ever give him.
> Of all the Clayarters that have posted to Clayart about Nceca i have not
> heard one say their work has changed. I've heard about a lot of hugs and
> kisses and great company but nothing about new work.
> Spend the same money and go to ACC, Penland, Haystack and improve your
work.
> If you got the do ray me do it all. If you're on a budget and your work is
> on your mind do a workshop. I think I gave good advice to T.
> cheers,
> tony
> Tony and Sheila Clennell
> Sour Cherry Pottery
> 4545 King Street
> Beamsville, Ontario
> CANADA L0R 1B1
> http://www.sourcherrypottery.com
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
lee love on sat 18 mar 06
--- In clayart@yahoogroups.com, clennell wrote:
> Some time ago Taylor wrote me saying he had limited moola and was
>wondering if he should go to Portland. I advised "no!".
I have always saved my pennies to make pilgrimages to quiet
places that inspire the work I want to make.
--
Lee In Mashiko, Japan
http://mashiko.org
http://seisokuro.blogspot.com/
"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not
enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do."
--Leonardo
lee love on sat 18 mar 06
--- In clayart@yahoogroups.com, clennell wrote:
>
> Save your money and come to Italy in May 2007 - 2 weeks with me
> making and woodfiring and 2 weeks with malcolm Davis making soot.
how's that for more of my shameless self promotion. I may be short
>on many things, but i can
> teach and love doing it!!! Bet your farm on it!
Tony, you were complaining about no young people in your workshop
audiences. Maybe it is the venue? You really think youngsters like
Taylor are going to follow you to Italy? You probably should be
prepared for grey beards and blue hairs. ;^)
--
Lee In Mashiko, Japan
http://mashiko.org
http://seisokuro.blogspot.com/
"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not
enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do."
--Leonardo
| |
|
