Antoinette Badenhorst on mon 19 mar 07
My first goes to everybody that's been friendly, helpful, and nice; you =
name
it to me, during NCECA. Thank you! It was big, huge and in some cases =
maybe
overwhelming. Potters are a species on their own but I am for ever =
convinced
that they are the best out there!
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I did not go with any expectations. My plan was to simply take in, learn
about the system and character of NCECA and see what it has to offer.=20
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Here is what I found:
One has to have a plan when you go. You have to decide upfront how you =
want
to spend your time. I found myself overwhelmed with decisions to make =
about
what I want to do and sometimes ending up not doing anything.=20
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I was amazed at the well organized days and schedules and how everything
went as if it was going on for years in that facility in Louisville. It =
was
so good to see so many potters working and moving in harmony with each
other.=20
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In my mind this is the best place to see the biggest variety of =
approaches
in ceramic and there is something for anyone; from academia to beginner
studio potter! Help and advice was abundant.=20
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The shows are huge. To me there were shows that I learned from, that I
tapped inspiration from, that fed me and that disturbed me; just as =
music,
books or theatre would do. I did not see all the shows that I think I =
should
have seen; so once again planning is of the essence.
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It can become expensive, so plan, plan plan... Temptations to buy =
everything
that one's eyes see is huge, not to speak of all the wonderful places to
shop and eat and boy was that something special!
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Of cause I have to mention Clayart and what it meant to me. Thank you so
much for providing an oasis where we could feel at home and refresh. I =
hope
the donations paid for it all, because I think it was worth every penny!
Thank you so much all you clay buddies out there that accepted me so
unconditionally and made me feel so worthy. It felt like coming home to
family. It was wonderful to put names, pots and faces together and it =
was
wonderful to get a piece from Chris Campbell and Ida Paulkin. Their
sensitive approach to their work will be a witness to me for as long as =
I
have their work! For all you others that had work there: thank you so =
much
for taking the time to show us your work. I loved it and it was a =
privilege
to see and handle your pieces.=20
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Of cause I can not help but mention how this conference shows were =
different
from others as far as "touch "is concerned. It was amazing how we were
allowed to touch and handle work! Thank you so much for allowing us to =
do
that. As someone mentioned: I have eyeballs on my fingertips! Without =
that I
can not see the pieces!
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My roommates: you were great! Lynn, Sweety, Helene and Marie; if NCECA =
would
have been just about fellowships with you guys, it would have been all =
worth
it.
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Now I have to start getting ready for my last shows while living in
Mississippi. Chicago...here I come!
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Antoinette Badenhorst
105 Westwood Circle
Saltillo MS, 38866
662 869 1651
www.clayandcanvas.com
www.southernartistry.org
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