September/December 2018 - Alberta Craft Magazine

SEATED

Traditional, Contemporary, Re-Imagined

New and Renewing Members

NEW MEMBERS

Kasie Campbell, Edmonton, Wood

Glen Christenson, Fort Saskatchewan, Wood

Daniel Cohen, Calgary, Fibre

Susan Crawford, Calgary, Fibre

Tanya Doody, Lethbridge, Clay

Jacqueline Fiala, Edmonton, Stone

Shereen Groeneveld, Calgary, Fibre

Mary Hazell, Edmonton, Fibre

Deborrah Hughes-Gahr, Sherwood Park, Clay

Annette Johnson, Calgary, Supporter

Angela Keating, Calgary, Glass

Carlene LaRue, Sylvan Lake, Clay

Jennifer Livingston, Calgary, Supporter

Greg Martodam, Calgary, Wood, stone

Jennifer-Lynn McInnis-Wharton, Banff, Clay

Aashi Nasiry, Calgary, Clay

Robin Ouellette, Edmonton, Mixed Media

Douglas Pueschel, Sherwood Park, Wood

Kelly Ruth, Edmonton, Fibre

Alireza Shafaati, Edmonton, Wood

Dalayce Smith, Calgary, Glass

Daniel Sommerfeld, Cardston, Metal

Judy Sysak, Calgary, Fibre

RENEWING MEMBERS

Sheep Creek Weavers, Calgary, Organization

Focus on Fibre Art Association, Edmonton,

Organization

Ilse Anysas-Salkauskas, Cochrane, Fibre

MJ Belcourt Moses, Edmonton, Fibre, mixed media

Laurie Blakeman, Edmonton, Supporter

Tony Bloom / Stonecrop Studio, Canmore, Metal

C. Dana Bush, Calgary, Fibre, paper, wood

Cec Caswell, Sherwood Park, Fibre

Teena Dickerson, Delburn, Jewellery & Metal, clay

Hilary Forge, Calgary, Clay

Pam Forsyth, Edmonton, Supporter

Vicki Hackl, Edmonton, Fibre

Alberta College of Art + Design, Calgary, Organization

Red Deer College, Red Deer, Organization

Stephanie Jonsson, Edmonton, Clay, fibre, metal

Pirkko Karvonen, Boyle, Fibre

Wendy Klotz, Calgary , Clay, fibre

Jamie Kroeger, Golden, Jewellery & Metals

Mary-Beth Laviolette, Canmore, Writer

Dorine Leitch, Edmonton, Clay

Dale Lerner, Medicine Hat, Clay

City of Lacombe, Lacombe, Organization

Stacey Maddock , Calgary, Jewellery & Metals

Siri McCormick , Calgary, Fibre

Contextural: a fibre arts cooperative, Calgary, Fibre

Shannon Nelson, Edmonton, Fibre

Kathleen O’Neill, Bragg Creek, Clay

Carolyn Patterson, Calgary, Supporter

Liv Pedersen, Calgary, Fibre

Sarah Pike, Fernie, Clay

Jeweliyana Reece, Calgary, Glass

Carlos Rojas, Medicine Hat, Clay - Porcelain

Maria Paula Rodrigues, Edmonton, Clay

Sue Sharp, Millarville, Metal

A.E. (Ted) Smith, Edmonton, Glass

Gordon Spratt, Beaumont, Wood, stone, pewter

Marianne Stewart, Edmonton, Supporter

Catherine Thomson, Victoria, Fibre

Keith Turnbull, Edmonton, Clay

Public Interest Alberta, Edmonton, Organization

Margaret Witschl, Edmonton, Supporter

NEW PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS

Louise McBeath Schoepp & Al Schoepp Warburg, Metal

RENEWING PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS

Pat Borecky, Trenton, Fibre

Louise Brud, Calgary, Clay

Donna Brunner, Westerose, Clay, fibre

Dawn Candy, Red Deer, Clay

Diana Un-Jin Cho, Calgary, Fibre, paper, mixed media

Linda Chow, Calgary, Jewellery & Metals, sculpture

Paula Cooley, Saskatoon, Clay

Brenda Danbrook , Opal, Clay

Sheila Fendall, Okotoks, Metal

Milt Fischbein, Calgary, Jewellery & Metals

Jennea Frischke, Calgary, Jewellery & Metals

Janet Grabner, East Coulee, Clay

Scott Hardy, Longview, Metal

Cindy Hoppe, Biggar, Fibre

Bonny Houston, Calgary, Glass

Kenton Jeske, Edmonton, Wood

Luc Josh, Edmonton, Wood

Jane Kidd, Salt Spring Island, Fibre

Sam Knopp, Irma, Clay

Suzette Knudsen, Calgary, Clay

Sharon Rose Kootenay Cherweniuk , Vilna, Fibre

Hannelore Krieger, Wildwood, Wood, fibre, pineneedles

Loretta Kyle, Bonnyville, Stone

Mike Lam, Edmonton, Wood

James Lavoie, Edmonton, Glass

Rachelle LeBlanc, St. Albert, Fibre

Charles Lewton-Brain, Calgary, Jewellery & Metals, fibre, mixed media

Wayne Mackenzie, Black Creek, Jewellery & Metals

Brenda Malkinson, Edmonton, Glass

Noriko Masuda, Medicine Hat, Clay

Rita & John McGie, Sherwood Park, Clay

Susan McKay, Edmonton, Glass

Wendy McPeak , Ardrossan, Glass

Dan Miller, Edmonton, Clay

Terri Millinoff, Calgary, Clay

Rita Oostendorp, Edmonton, Fibre

Tara Owen, Calgary, Jewellery & Metals

Darren & Deborah Petersen, Red Deer, Glass

Connie & Bob Pike, High River, Clay, metal

Julia Reimer & Tyler Rock , Black Diamond, Glass

Karen Rhebergen, Whitecourt, Fibre

Todd Safronovich, Edmonton, Glass

John Smith-Jones, Calgary, Metal

Stefanie Wong (Staples), Cochrane, Fibre, paper

Do-Hee Sung, Calgary, Clay

Susan Thorpe, Calgary, Clay

Sam Uhlick, Ardrossan, Clay

Keith Walker, Edmonton, Glass

Tarra Wedman, Fallis, Clay

(as of July 15, 2018)

ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE

The Alberta Craft Magazine is published three times a year. Submission deadline for January - April 2019 issue: November 15, 2018

The Alberta Craft Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein but assumes no liability in cases of error of changing conditions. Any business relation or other activity undertaken as a result of the information contained in the Alberta Craft Magazine, or arising there from, are the responsibility of the parties involved and not of the Alberta Craft Council.

ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL

Main Office Information

Edmonton: Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm 780-488-6611 OR 1-800-DO-CRAFT

E-mail acc@albertacraft.ab.ca

Website www.albertacraft.ab.ca

ALBERTA CRAFT GALLERY - EDMONTON

10186 – 106 Street Edmonton, AB, Canada T5J 1H4

Monday – Saturday 10am - 5pm

Open until 6pm on Thursday 780-488-5900

ALBERTA CRAFT GALLERY - CALGARY 1721 – 29 Avenue SW, Suite #280

Calgary, AB, Canada T2T 6T7

Wednesday – Friday 11am - 5pm

Saturday 10am - 5pm 587-391-0129

STAFF

Executive Director - Jenna Stanton, ext. 228

EDMONTON

Operations & Exhibitions - Joanne Hamel, ext. 234

Communications & Marketing - Jessica Telford

Communications, Marketing & Member Services - Allison Lilly, ext. 221

Marketing - Victoria Sanchez, ext. 231

Gallery Shop Coordinator - Émilienne Gervais, ext. 232

Financial Officer - Wendy Arrowsmith, ext. 234

Retail Gallery Assistant - Felicity Bohnet

CALGARY

Retail Gallery Liaison - Corinne Cowell Outreach, Events & Volunteers - Jill Nuckles

Retail Gallery Assistant - Melanie Archer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Tara Owen (Calgary)

Vice Chair Dawn Deterando (Red Deer)

Directors Mary-Beth Laviolette (Canmore), Dawn Saunders-Dahl (Canmore), Kari Woo (Canmore), Jennifer Salahub (Calgary), Meghan Wagg (Edmonton), Natali Rodrigues (Calgary), Kristofer Kelly-Frère (Calgary), Kayla Gale (Calgary, ACAD Student Liaison)

MAGAZINE

Editor : Allison Lilly

Contributors: Jenna Stanton & Joanne Hamel

Design: Victoria Sanchez

The Alberta Craft Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing Alberta Craft and the Alberta Craft Industry.

FUNDING AGENCIES & SUPPORTERS

SPONSORS

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I have been a part of the Alberta Craft Council for the past 15 years and often refer to it as my ACC family. Since I graduated from ceramics at the Alberta College of Art + Design in 2003, I knew it was the next step in my career in Craft to work at and learn from an organization dedicated to the advancement and support of professional and emerging Craft artists. It was at the ACC I found I had a passion for arts admin, working with artists, and using my creative scheming brain to generate opportunities and advocate for Craft. After working for the ACC for seven great years, I left to return focus to my own ceramics practice for an MA in Ceramic Design in Stoke on Trent, England. Upon my return to Canada in 2012 as Medalta’s Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, I quickly rejoined the ACC as part of the Board of Directors.

I am always proud to be a part of this organization, the artists, staff, and board are a creative, dedicated team. I am more than happy to step into this role as interim Executive Director to continue to support, advocate, and create opportunities on behalf of our artists and the Craft Council, following in the footsteps of my mentor and fellow creative schemer Tom McFall.

My favorite thing about working in the arts is having the opportunity to encourage and enable hard-working artists who are making amazing work. It’s not the easiest career choice to follow your passion and make a living creating craft. With so many facets, from making to marketing, selling at shops, markets and online, photographing, accounting... it can be hard for any artist to feel like they are on top of the demands.

It is my role to ensure that the Craft Council continues to develop meaningful ways to support our artists throughout their careers. Creating opportunities for exhibitions, sales, career development, and support are the backbone of our organization, but I hope we are also a place where members feel they can come for a conversation of encouragement, a brainstorm about direction, an introduction through the network, a little enabling, or a supported push when they need it.

We also strive to foster our craft community by creating space and opportunities for our members and peers to connect, where they can share and extend their knowledge, skills, best practices, and be an engaged part of strengthening this network.

I grew up in a big family where if there wasn’t more room at the table, you add another table. I have always felt we are stronger together, supporting each other through the challenges of what is both a demanding and rewarding creative pursuit and enviable craft community.

I look forward to what I feel to be very rewarding work, advocating for our community and extending our table to connect our artists and engage the public in celebrating and supporting our diverse Craft culture in this province.

Jenna Stanton Executive Director

On the cover: “Bench” by Kenton Jeske. 2017. Solid Cherry Wood finished with milk paint and oil. Recessed detailing and traditional joinery. From SEATED, Alberta Craft Feature Exhibition.

Photo by Michael Regehr

CHARLES LEWTON-BRAIN SET THE TABLE

ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL EVENTS AROUND ALBERTA

ALBERTA CRAFT GALLERY - EDMONTON

Feature Gallery

SEATED (Page 10 & 11)

September 1 – December 24, 2018

Artist Talk & Reception: Saturday, September 29 from 2 – 4pm

As part of Alberta Culture Days celebration

Discovery Gallery

Because it never occurs to us that we cannot (Page 13)

Robin Lambert (Red Deer)

September 1 – October 13, 2018

Artist Talk & Reception: Saturday, September 29 from 2 – 4pm

As part of Alberta Culture Days celebration

ALBERTA CRAFT GALLERY - CALGARY

Set the Table (Page 12)

Natalie Gerber & Kalika Bowlby

August 25 – November 3, 2018

Artist Talk: Saturday, September 29 1pm in the RGO Treehouse, cSPACE

Reception: Saturday, September 29 from 2 – 4pm in the Alberta Craft Gallery

As part of Alberta Culture Days celebration

Connect with the Alberta Craft Council at: www.albertacraft.ab.ca · facebook.com/albertacraftcouncil · instagram.com/albertacraftcouncil · twitter.com/abcraftcouncil

Set the Table exhibition at the Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary

Visitors at the Alberta Craft Gallery - Edmonton

CULTURE IN THE MAKING

#ABCultureDays are back! Join us at the Alberta Craft Gallery in Calgary and Edmonton for ‘Culture in the Making’

As Host Celebration Sites, we’ve prepared a fun weekend full of interactive artist demonstrations and events centered around Alberta Craft.

Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary

Friday, September 28 from 11am – 8pm

Saturday, September 29 from 11am – 5pm

Alberta Craft Gallery - Edmonton

Friday, September 28 from 10am – 5pm

Saturday, September 29 from 10am – 5pm

For more event details, visit our website

ALBERTA CRAFT AWARDS

Saturday, October 20 from 7 – 10pm

The RGO Treehouse @ cSPACE King EdwardCalgary

Members and invited guests are invited to attend the celebration of Alberta’s Fine Craft artists and supporters of 2018.

To attend RSVP to Jill jill@albertacraft.ab.ca | 587-391-0129

More details on Page 6

Alberta Craft Awards Recipients, 2005

Dana Roman demonstration during AB Culture Days 2017 in Calgary

Photo by Jeff Yee

SHOP TALK

Your art is how you communicate with the outer world. Perhaps your experience or assumptions about what is ‘relevant’ or ‘saleable’ at the moment can be pushed or even flipped on its head!? What do you want to make? Where better than the supportive community that is the Alberta Craft Council. Unlike selling and buying at commercial galleries or shops, the ACC offers a retail space uniquely situated to safely experiment.

The ACC is well positioned to offer this amazing community and space that is dedicated to the promotion of Fine Craft. With exhibition space adjacent to retail space, there is an intersection between functional and non-functional, public and commodity, between artists, visitors, and customers.

You, as a customer in our shop, will likely notice familiar names with the opportunity to see artists taking risks in the incubator our space is meant to be. That it will offer a place for artists to push your practices and the definition of Alberta Fine Craft, and a place for customers and visitors to indulge your passion and understanding of Fine Craft.

The trust we offer to our retailing members, established by completion of the Advisory Committee review, gives you freedom of expression that you may not always have with wholesale or for-profit galleries and retailers. We support the evolution of each artist as you change your trajectory or style and we strive to demonstrate to our visitor what Alberta Fine Craft Artists are creating right now in their studios! If you want feedback about your work, consider reaching out to our Advisory Committee, we are here to guide your work and help you keep up with your market through supportive feedback and opportunities for growth.

&

JOIN US FOR A PARTY!

LET IT SNOW

Calgary | Saturday, November 24 from 7 – 11pm

We just celebrated the gallery’s 1st birthday and we are thrilled to be hosting our second Let It Snow! Cheers to the season with cocktails, live music, selfies with Santa, and the best holiday shopping in Calgary!

‘TWAS

THE NIGHT

Edmonton | Saturday, December 1 from 7 – 11pm

It’s our 21st ‘Twas Birthday! Celebrate the spirit of the holidays with drinks, music, dancing, and most importantly, holiday shopping!

TICKETS

$20 - ACC members | $30 - Guests

$40 - at the door

more info & tickets:

If you wish to further the discussion, don’t hesitate to contact our Gallery Shop Coordinator, Émilienne Gervais. (emilienne@albertacraft.ab.ca)

Purchase in-person, by phone, or online.

www.albertacraft.ab.ca

H o lid ay Mar k et G u i de

As much as we know our members and customers love to shop at the Alberta Craft Gallery Shops, during the holidays we like to spread the love to other craft sales and markets throughout Alberta. Support Alberta Craft and Fine Craft artists while taking care of your gift list (and your own wish list!).

SHEEP CREEK WEAVERS

ANNUAL FIBRE ART SALE

October 20

Millarville Racetrack, Millarville, AB

Free Admission

@SheepCreekWeavers

EDMONTON

WEAVERS’ GUILD

ANNUAL SHOW & SALE

November 3

Strathcona Community League, Edmonton, AB

Admission: $3

@Edmonton-Weavers-Guild

ART MARKET

ART & CRAFT SALE

November 15 - 18

Telus Convention Centre, Calgary, AB

Admission: Free - $12

@ArtMarketCraftSale

HANDMADE HERE

ARTIST COLLECTIVE

CHRISTMAS SALE

November 17 - 18

Triwood Community Association, Calgary, AB

Free Admission

@HandmadeHereYYC

ROYAL BISON

ART + CRAFT FAIR

November 30 - December 2 & December 7 - 9

8426 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton, AB

Admission: $3

@TheRoyalBison

WILDFLOWER SALON SALE

December 2

Wildflower Arts Centre, Calgary, AB

Free Admission

@WildflowerArtsCentre

THE NINA AFTER HOURS SHOPPING PARTY

December 7

Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, Edmonton, AB.

Free Admission

@NinaHaggertyArts

HOLIDAY HOURS:

The Alberta Craft GalleryEdmonton* & Calgary will be closed from December 25, 2018 - January 3, 2019 (inclusive).

* December 24 open 10am - 3pm

Open til 8pm

Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary: November 12 & December 11, 2018

Alberta Craft Gallery - Edmonton

December 13, 2018

ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL

Charles Lewton-Brain: Artist, Goldsmith, Educator, Problem Solver … alchemist

Quiet this metal!

Let the manes put off their terror, let them put off their aqueous bodies with fire. Let them assume the milk-white bodies of agate. Let them draw together the bones of the metal.

by Jennifer E. Salahub

Ezra Pound “The Alchemist: Chant for the Transmutation of Metal” (1912)

Caveat: In writing this essay, I simply refuse to use the term retire – for we all know that artists like Charles Lewton-Brain are much too engaged to even consider such an abstract concept. However, he is “stepping away” from the Alberta College of Art + Design, and given that so many of our makers were taught or mentored by Charles since his arrival in 1985, I am taking this opportunity to consider how his presence has helped shape our identity as an engaged craft community.

Charles Lewton-Brain has been described as an internationally renowned artist, goldsmith, educator, author, and tireless innovator. Alongside an active studio practice and full teaching load, he has lectured and taught workshops internationally, created his own publishing company (1994), and co-founded the world’s largest educational internet site for the jewellery, gemology, and the metals field – Ganoksin.com (1995). His craftsmanship has been recognized by his peers – an elected member of the Royal Canadian Academy, a distinguished Fellow of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG), a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. In 2005 he received the Alberta Craft Council’s Honour Award and in 2012 we all celebrated when he was awarded the prestigious Saidye Bronfman Award for Fine Craft (Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts) which spoke to his studio practice (from performanceoriented body art to fine jewellery), his role as an educator (ACAD and worldwide), and his staunch belief in Canadian craft (his work with the Canadian Crafts Federation and the Alberta Craft Council (five years as Board Director). 2

Charles’s work ethic is a daunting model for students – and colleagues for that matter – it was developed in Pforzheim Germany where he trained to be a master goldsmith with Klaus Ullrich, himself a celebrated designer, master goldsmith, and master silversmith. Not surprisingly, what motivated him as a student continues to inform his practice and motivates his students.

In his words, “What Ullrich and his contemporaries did was say that an accidental effect could be controlled and in fact utilized in a design and compositional element. This was against all the traditions in the field in Europe and was possibly a reflection of Pollock and other painters who chose the marks of process as compositional elements. (…) This approach was a revelation for me; to listen to the material; to use the marks of working the material as conscious choices in design; to let nature show in the work.” 3

1 An earlier form of this essay was published in the ACADFA Journal. Spring 2018

2 Should you be curious about these or his other achievements you might want to check out http://brainpress.com/LewtonBrain.html

3 Charles Lewton- Brain. The Origins of Fold Forming. Brain Press, 2008

4 Alan Revere, Professional Jeweler Magazine, June 1998

Photos by Dayne Norman (above) and Lauren Voisin (right)

Charles is an inspiring maker and teacher, his students have gone on to be recognized nationally and internationally as makers, as educators, as innovators, and as creative thinkers. A former undergraduate called him the “absolute Guru of metalsmithing” while another declared, “I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who knows so much about anything/everything.” He has served not only as a teacher but as a mentor for many ACC members, from makers like the Chair of the ACC Board, Tara Owen to myself – a craft historian. Charles is a passionate advocate for craft in Alberta and Canada – and his passion is contagious.

He is indeed a multifaceted individual – a creator, a performer, a problem solver, and arguably an alchemist. Anyone who has watched Charles fold forming – the innovative process he introduced to the world – will attest to the latter identity. For there is no doubt when he sets to work that he has mastered alchemy as described in “The Alchemist: Chant for the Transmutation of Metal” by Ezra Pound or defined by the OED as the “seemingly magical power of transmutation or extraction.”

On fold forming, Alan Revere, the American goldsmith confirms that,

“As amazing as it may seem, nobody ever worked with metal this way in the more-than-10,000-year history of the craft.”

Revere explains the magnitude of the process as, [A] series of techniques that allow rapid development of three- dimensional surfaces and structures. The dynamic and fascinating shapes created through this system are unachievable by any other method. The technique can be used to create complex high-relief forms and to resemble chased, constructed and soldered forms. All are produced from single sheets of almost any metal in a matter of minutes. 4

In 2012, Robert Sirman, then director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts suggested that, “Artists are alchemists and [these] laureates are masters at transforming everyday experience into gold.” Just consider the implications, both figurative and literal, when one of those laureates was Charles!

Charles Lewton-Brain may be stepping away from ACAD, but he is neither leaving his studio nor the craft community. In fact, he will have more time to focus on what he loves. The ACC Board of Directors want to thank Charles for all that he has done to promote fine craft, from serving on boards, organizing symposia, speaking for us nationally and internationally, and finally I, as a craft historian want to thank him for his ability to recognize the importance of documentation – for without a history we are unable to move forward. At the same time, we all look forward to seeing how Charles will transform his new everyday experiences into gold!

Dr. Jennifer E. Salahub Professor, School Critical and Creative Studies, ACAD Alberta Craft Council Board Member

SEATED

Whether it’s a majestic throne or a humble stool, what we sit on has undergone a rigorous design process and is an expression of its creator. Aesthetics, scale, style, materials, and proportions are just a few of the considerations taken when creating traditional, contemporary, or re-imagined seating objects.

SEATED features a diverse range of work created by 18 Fine Craft artists from across Canada. From stools, chairs, and benches created by master woodworkers, like the piece featured on the cover created by Kenton Jeske, to unexpected fold formed copper and enamel metal work, this exhibition explores the theme of seating objects in clever and unexpected ways.

In the piece “Still Life” by Amanda McCavour, it appears as if two chairs are welcoming you and a friend to have a seat after a long day, upon closer inspection you discover the entire scene is created from thread. McCavour’s thread installation looks as if the work would easily unravel but it holds a deceptive strength.

Top left corner: die Bank Douglas Pueschel, 2018. American Elm, Black Walnut, Tung oil.

Bottom left: Aibiki Knock-Down Seat. Micheal Fournier, 2018. Red Oak with wide growth rings and wandering grain.

Top: Pebble Stools. Grace Han, 2018. Ceramic.

Top right corner: Still Life Amanda McCavour, 2018. Thread. Opposite page: Signature Chair. Adrian Ferrazzutti. 2017, Hickory, Wenge, and leather.

The “Aibiki” knock-down wooden seat by Micheal Fournier is another piece that appears deceptively simple. Inspired by Japanese Sashimono, traditional joinery without fasteners, his prayer seat appears simple in form, but its design is complex and ingenious. Created with portability in mind the interlocking miters and imbedded rare earth magnets allow the tiny bench to be deconstructed to the size of a notebook.

Assembling the parts allows the user to fully appreciate the thoughtfulness and craftsmanship in the design, so we included a piece for our exhibition audience to assemble and enjoy the hands on experience of this piece.

Grace Han, a ceramic artist from Winnipeg, created Pebble Stools at the thematic ‘Clay Revival’ residency at the Banff Centre this spring, using her traditional Korean Ongi techniques. Grace originally trained in Seoul where she specialized in traditional Korean techniques and skills, immigrating to Canada in 2011 for an MFA from the University of Manitoba. Her work

SEATED

Alberta Craft Gallery - Edmonton

Feature Gallery:

September 1 - December 24, 2018

Artist Reception:

Saturday, September 29 from 2 - 4pm during Alberta Culture Days Celebration

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:

Cory Barkman (Brant, AB)

Adrian Ferrazzutti (Guelf, ON)

Micheal Fournier (Edmonton, AB)

Natalie Gerber (Calgary, AB)

Grace Han (Winnipeg, MB)

Michael Holton (Calgary, AB)

Kenton Jeske (Edmonton, AB)

Mike Lam (Edmonton, AB)

Amanda McCavour (Toronto, ON)

Dana McLean & Kyle Gaudreault (Calgary, AB)

Tara Owen (Calgary, AB)

Jeffrey Pelton (Edmonton, AB)

Talar & Jean-Claude Prefontaine (Calgary, AB)

Douglas Pueschel (Sherwood Park, AB)

Sumer Singh (Calgary, AB)

Amy Skrocki (Edmonton, AB)

often explores ‘Betweeness,’ as both a newcomer to Canada and as a traditionally trained artist embracing tradition with her own originality.

Traditional and contemporary handcrafted furniture are complimented by conceptual work in this exhibition. Visit the Feature Gallery to see how each artist has crafted a unique spin to an object that is generally overlooked but plays an important part in our daily lives.

“Traditional, Contemporary, Re-Imagined”

YEG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Did you know the Alberta Craft Council is at the Edmonton International Airport? The ACC features four vitrines per year, showcasing the work of members and delighting visitors.

home - Medalta’s Artists in Residence

The Surface of Things: Chasing Light Brenda Malkinson (photo above)

September 2018 - January 2019

SET THE TABLE

SET THE TABLE

NATALIE GERBER & KALIKA BOWLBY

Alberta Craft Gallery -Calgary

August 25 - November 3, 2018

Artist Talk & Reception: September 29, 2018

Talk: 1pm, Reception: 2 - 4pm during Alberta Culture Days Celebration

The Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary welcomes members and guests to Set the Table, a collaboration between ceramicist Kalika Bowlby and contemporary textile designer Natalie Gerber. When we set the table and prepare a meal for ourselves or others it is an act of nourishment and has the potential to nourish us on many levels-physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. A meal can be an art, a meditation, a celebration.

The exhibition Set the Table features handcrafted ceramic tableware by Kalika and screen-printed table linens by Natalie celebrating the act of setting the table and enjoying a meal. The exhibition will include both formal and casual table settings as well as larger serving dishes. The combination of their work creates modern tablescapes that remind us to set the table and take the time to celebrate the simple, beautiful moments of every day.

+15 ARTS COMMONS

Located within Arts Commons in downtown Calgary, the +15 vitrine features work by ACC members or artists in participating exhibitions.

Nicole Tremblay & Barbara

Rumberger - up until September 19, 2018 (photo above)

Set the Table

Natalie Gerber & Kalika Bowlby

September 19 - November 14, 201 8

Ann Haessel

November 14, 2018 - January 16, 2019

Kalika Bowlby is a ceramic artist based in Golden, BC focused on simplicity and functionality. “I love seeing people connect around a table or over a cup of coffee. I love food- growing it, preparing it, sharing it.”

Natalie Gerber is a Calgary based textile artist exploring screen printed pattern. “As an artist, designer and maker I am inspired to create functional design for everyday living. While craftsmanship is important to my creative process, so too is function. I combine my love for illustration, surface design, clean lines, and hand-printed fabrics with conscious material choices and in-studio practices.”

Because it never occurs to us that we cannot

BECAUSE IT NEVER OCCURS TO US THAT WE CANNOT ROBIN LAMBERT

Alberta Craft Discovery Gallery - Edmonton September 1 - October 13, 2018

Artist Reception: Saturday, September 29 from 2 - 4pm during Alberta Culture Days Celebration

Because it never occurs to us that we cannot describes the DNA of Alberta. “I am here,” says Alberta. “I must grow.”

It is also a mantra for both the artist and our contemporary cultural impulse. I cannot stop. I do not want to stop. I will not stop. I want to make, to build, to elevate. And when it starts to fall apart, don’t worry, we can hold it together — with spit and string if necessary. The feeling of expansionism echoes across the history of colonized Alberta: Build. Expand. Repeat. Crush that which came before. The party must go on. The party must go on and the stories about their glory must be told and retold.

The ceramic works throughout Robin Lambert’s (Red Deer) exhibition are in various states of disrepair and conservation. Some pieces stand tall and erect, new and shiny, gold and brazen, while others are in a precarious and dilapidated condition, holding on to what form they can keep. All the sculptures are porcelain, glazed with celadon, two materials from far away and, much like materials produced

in Alberta, have their own long histories. They have been as much creative materials as desirable, tradable, and expensive commodities. And now, the fragility and beauty of these materials belay the useful function that the structures may have once possessed and all that remains is to fix or replace them. The party must go on.

Robin Lambert is an artist and educator interested in social practice, ceramic, and craft. Born on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, his childhood was spent living throughout Western Canada before his family eventually settled in Northern Alberta. These wandering ways continued through his adult life, before he too settled down long enough to earn a BFA from Alberta College of Art + Design and an MFA from the University of Regina. His projects and exhibitions have been shown in Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Lambert’s theoretical and studio research interests include social practice, participatory work, art and craft theory, craft culture, and the role of both the artist and the art object in and out of the gallery. His work is often a simple day to day activity - daydreaming, napping, letter writing, or sharing dinner for example. Art is more than objects, ideas, or actions in a gallery. For Lambert - art is offering something; it is being empathetic towards the audience and through the audience, the world.

When it starts to fall apart. 2017. Porcelain, salvaged wood. Little Boxes. 2018. Porcelain, lustre, salvaged wood. Robin Lambert

Ticket t o Ride

TICKET TO RIDE

LISA HEAD HARBIDGE

Alberta Craft Discovery Gallery - Edmonton

October 20 - December 1, 2018

Artist Reception:

Saturday, October 27 from 2 - 4pm

Ticket to Ride is an array of glass and mixed media pieces by Lisa Head Harbidge (Rocky Mountain House) depicting the ups and downs of life. Much like the rides at an amusement park, we are on our own ride and every minute is a timed event.

Lisa explores the emotions of life’s circumstances. She questions where and how we can give our spirits a lift. And whether we should choose the safe, pretty pony on the carousel or the spirited one, on which we carry our hopes and dreams. She asks how we can cope with life

when there are choices that are not in our control, whether by nature, humans, or circumstances. What swims through our thoughts and what makes some people ride it out while depression overwhelms others?

The glass pieces utilize a variety of techniques, from traditional painted stained glass to kiln formed glass. The variety of formal practices capitalize on the connection between light with life and allow us to ask these questions, giving us pause to consider.

Lisa Harbidge (née Head) was born in Red Deer, Alberta, and after several household moves, has been settled in Rocky Mountain House since 1992. A love for the creative process lead Lisa to enroll in the Alberta College of Art + Design, from which she graduated with a major in sculpture,

combining the freedom of creative process with various mediums.

While attending ACAD she began working for a prominent art glass studio in Calgary, where she helped develop new techniques for a traditional art form. Lisa apprenticed by learning methods such as copper foil construction, leading, fusing, etching etc. From commissioning, designing, and construction to lighting, restoration, and installation, she developed a diverse working knowledge of what was involved to produce quality works that will stand the test of time.

Her work is strongly influenced by the aspects of nature that surrounds her on her ranch. She balances studio time. teaching glass art, producing work for galleries, with her passion for animals, and the ranch.

We’ve likely heard it all before. “One chance to live your life.” “No do-overs.” “Live your bucket list.”

image by Lisa Head Harbidge

On The Family Farm

Loretta Kyle pays homage to her rural upbringing, exploring memories and observations captured in stone through her exhibition On The Family Farm

Loretta and her siblings were the fifth generation of Kyles to live on the family farm in Southern Quebec, which is now farmed by her brother. She continues to honour the farm and how it inspired her through the work she created for this exhibition, showing the deep bonds that can come from a life lived immersed in nature.

Her carved stonework draws the viewer into some of her favorite quiet moments spent observing her farmyard animals. She felt a unique connection with these characters from her youth. Fred, a special red and black spotted pig, was one of her favourites. He, like all pigs, was very smart and would jump on the partition as soon as he heard her brother’s voice. The cats, who also had a special bond with Fred, would sleep on him and the other pigs throughout the winter to stay warm. At her uncle’s dairy farm, she observed more peculiar animal pairings: the cats licking the faces of calves, washing them with their rough tongues, and the neighbour’s dog that was always hanging out with the horses.

It takes a strong soul to dedicate one’s life to farming

The carving of these moments out of the stone is a long and laborious process, and she credits her work ethic and inspiration to growing up around farmers who do meaningful work and are therefore willing to put in the long days required.

Loretta knows it takes a strong soul to dedicate one’s life to farming and worries about what life would be like if the family farm disappears. In her exhibition she does her part to pay tribute to her farming heritage and allow audiences to explore the gentler sider of farming, capturing moments usually only reserved for people who are passionately living close to the land.

ON THE FAMILY FARM LORETTA KYLE

Alberta Craft Discovery Gallery - Edmonton

October 20 - December 1, 2018

Artist Reception: Saturday, October 27 from 2 - 4pm

Loretta Kyle is a self-taught artist and began carving in 1988. She has been selling in galleries and participating in exhibitions for twenty years. She prefers to work with harder stone like Chlorite, Pyrophyllite, and Kisii stone. Inspiration for Loretta comes from the rough stone; she draws from her past and her relationship with nature to create flowing animal forms.

In The Lee Of Friendship by Loretta Kyle. 2017. Chlorite

THE 13th ANNUAL CCF/FCMA CONFERENCE

Placemaking

The Unique Connection Between Craft, Community + Tourism

Oct

10-15

2018  Nova Scotia

Important Dates

10-12 October 2018 Pre Conference Tour

12+13 October 2018 The Halifax Sessions

14+15 October 2018 The Lunenburg Sessions

Featured Speakers

Panels

Panels

THE 13th ANNUAL CCF/FCMA CONFERENCE

Placemaking

Ursula Johnson, Multidisciplinary Mi’kmaq Artist Jenna Stanton, Executive Director, Alberta Craft Council Annie Warburton, Creative Director, UK Craft Council

The Honorable Patricia Bovey, Independent Senator for Manitoba

Creating Space : Artist & Gallery Perspectives

The Unique Connection Between Craft, Community + Tourism

Panels

Creating Space : Artist & Gallery Perspectives

Educational Impact : The Ripple Effect of Craft Schools

Sep 13 - Eco Printing

Sep 27 - Natural Dyes Explained

Oct 11 - Intro to Screen Printing

Oct 25 - Block Printing Basics

Nov 8 - Discover Indigo Dyes

Panelists will discuss their roles in community art and engagement, with each speaker addressing their recent activities, the intentions of their actions, and their role in developing – or even subverting – the craft community. Includes Nova Scotia based artists, galleries, and collectives, providing different insights on the needs of a thriving cultural sector.

Important Dates

10-12 October 2018 Pre Conference Tour

12+13 October 2018

Educational Impact : The Ripple Effect of Craft Schools

The Halifax Sessions

Panelists will discuss their roles in community art and engagement, with each speaker addressing their recent activities, the intentions of their actions, and their role in developing – or even subverting – the craft community. Includes Nova Scotia based artists, galleries, and collectives, providing different insights on the needs of a thriving cultural sector.

14+15 October 2018

The Lunenburg Sessions

Craft Schools are not an island unto themselves. Institutions large and small across the field of craft are actively contributing to modern practice, as well as the wider community and economy of their hometowns – and beyond. This discussion will reveal some of the unique programming taking place across Canada, and the power of an empowered educational system. The panel will include representatives from educational institutions in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, including privately run institutions, public colleges and universities.

Contemporary Craft Practice : Thinking Big in a Small Place

Oct 10-15 2018  Nova Scotia Featured Speakers

Craft Schools are not an island unto themselves. Institutions large and small across the field of craft are actively contributing to modern practice, as well as the wider community and economy of their hometowns – and beyond. This discussion will reveal some of the unique programming taking place across Canada, and the power of an empowered educational system. The panel will include representatives from educational institutions in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, including privately run institutions, public colleges and universities.

Ursula Johnson, Multidisciplinary Mi’kmaq Artist

Jenna Stanton, Executive Director, Alberta Craft Council

Featuring three artists who live and work in small communities, but whose work breaks beyond geographic confines, this panel will explore the many projects and experiences of creatives in the field of craft who are actively contributing to modern craft practice in Canada and beyond. Through their work, they encourage craft artists to see themselves as part of a larger community – as key contributors to Canadian craft and the cultural aesthetic of Canada.

Annie Warburton, Creative Director, UK Craft Council

Contemporary Craft Practice : Thinking Big in a Small Place

Community Practices : Non-Traditional Partnerships

The Honorable Patricia Bovey, Independent Senator for Manitoba

Featuring three artists who live and work in small communities, but whose work breaks beyond geographic confines, this panel will explore the many projects and experiences of creatives in the field of craft who are actively contributing to modern craft practice in Canada and beyond. Through their work, they encourage craft artists to see themselves as part of a larger community – as key contributors to Canadian craft and the cultural aesthetic of Canada.

Every community has its own flavour, but what are the commonalities between successful craft-based public spaces? How do these communities, large and small, harness the strength of craft practice to make their hometowns a better place? Learn about unique programs and public activity that has helped some small towns flourish through craft.

Creating Space : Artist & Gallery Perspectives

For more info about speakers, pricing and registration, visit canadiancraftsfederation.ca/conference

Community Practices : Non-Traditional Partnerships

Panelists will discuss their roles in community art and engagement, with each speaker addressing their recent activities, the intentions of their actions, and their role in developing – or even subverting – the craft community. Includes Nova Scotia based artists, galleries, and collectives, providing different insights on the needs of a thriving cultural sector.

Every community has its own flavour, but what are the commonalities between successful craft-based public spaces? How do these communities, large and small, harness the strength of craft practice to make their hometowns a better place? Learn about unique programs and public activity that has helped some small towns flourish through craft.

Educational Impact : The Ripple Effect of Craft Schools

Craft Schools are not an island unto themselves. Institutions large and small across the field of craft are actively contributing to modern practice, as well as the wider community and economy of their hometowns – and beyond. This discussion will reveal some of the unique programming taking place across Canada, and the power of an empowered educational system. The panel will include representatives from educational institutions in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, including privately run institutions, public colleges and universities.

Contemporary Craft Practice : Thinking Big in a Small Place

Featuring three artists who live and work in small communities, but whose work breaks beyond geographic confines, this panel will explore the many projects and experiences of creatives in the field of craft who are actively contributing to modern craft practice in Canada and beyond. Through their work, they encourage craft artists to see themselves as part of a larger community – as key contributors to Canadian craft and the cultural aesthetic of Canada.

Community Practices : Non-Traditional Partnerships

Every community has its own flavour, but what are the commonalities between successful craft-based public spaces? How do these communities, large and small, harness the strength of craft practice to make their hometowns a better place? Learn about unique programs and public activity that has helped some small towns flourish through craft.

SURFACE DESIGN DISCOVERY

For more info about speakers, pricing and registration, visit canadiancraftsfederation.ca/conference

FOCUS ON SURFACE DESIGN

Sep 13 to Oct 4 - Focus on Yardage Printing

Oct 13/14 - Focus on Natural Dyeing

Oct 20/21 - Printing with Natural Dyes

Oct 27/28 - Japanese Stencil Cutting

Oct 11 to Nov 1 - Focus on Yardage Printing

RIPPLE EFFECT

SEPT28-OCT28, 2018

UNVEILING W/ BRIAN KEATING SEPT28 | 7-9PM $70 pp

RECEPTION SEPT29 | 2-4PM

FALL PAINT OUT

Plein-Air Art Making · Mini Workshops · Art Exhibitions Artist Demos + Talks · Breathtaking Foothills Views

SEPT29-30, 2018 | 10AM-4PM

YOUTH WORKS 2018

DEC1, 2018-JAN5, 2019 OPENING RECEPTION DEC1 | 2-4PM

Be the voice of contemporary craft.

ACAD’s MfA in Craft Media offers the opportunity to experiment and explore materials, processes, technologies, critical discourse and theory through creative inquiry that will expand and challenge perceptions of contemporary craft. studying at ACAD means joining a community of people who are passionate about creativity.

Discover more at acad.ca/MFA

AlbertA College of Art + Design

Anton Cu unjieng, DetAil from “A StuDy in reStrAint: nAnlAbAn”, 2018

IN THE NEWS

ACC Professional Members Stefanie Staples & Dena Seiferling’s work in Perch was featured in the May/June issue of Where Calgary.

ACC Professional Member

Larissa Blokhuis completed her first curatorial project with Curiosity Collier at the Beaumont Studios in Vancouver this past June.

ACC Professional Member Luke Weiser was commissioned to make a custom handmade bamboo fly fishing rod for Calgary Flames player Mike Smith to celebrate his 500th NHL game. Luke Weiser’s fishing rod and jewellery work can now be seen in the Alberta Craft Gallery Shop - Edmonton & Calgary.

Milt Fischbein, ACC Professional Member, was the Guest Artist of the Month for June 2018 at the Blackboard Gallery located in cSpace King Edward. Milt also participated in Art Takes Flight, an exhibition and sale at the Bomber Command Museum of Canada in Nanton, AB. Photo: Jeff Yee

ACC member Ann Haessel had a solo textile exhibition titled Fibre Composites at Framed on Fifth in Calgary.

Adaptation, a collection of ACC member Carlos Rojas’s ceramic work explores the migrating identity seen through the eyes of European porcelain dolls. The exhibition took place at Medalta from May 1 - July 14, 2018.

Kudos to ACC Professional Member Ken Lumbis, whose TREX exhibition continues to tour Alberta and part of BC this year. Photo: Maj Photography

Since Fall 2011, ACAD students have submitted their designs for the annual President’s Cups Competition, initiated by ACAD President + CEO Dr. Daniel Doz. The winner is commissioned to create 15 cups and 8 bowls based on his/her submission. Congratulations to ACC Student Member Lael Chmelyk whose work was selected.

ACC Professional Member Albertine Crow Shoe is the current artist in residence at Glenbow in Calgary. Photo: Elyse Bouvier

Alberta Craft Council members are active contributors to Alberta’s culture. Check out member events, exhibitions, and kudos here.

ACC Professional Member and Glass Art Society President Natali Rodrigues, along with the staff and board of GAS, organized their 47th annual conference in Italy. The event brings together an international community of glass. Grazie to Natali for her dedication to the Fine Craft community, near and far.

In the May - August issue of Alberta Craft magazine, Jack Sures was featured as the winner of the Saidye Bronfman Award for excellence in fine crafts. It is with great sadness that we learned of his passing soon after publication. We send our deepest condolences to Jack’s family and friends and those who he inspired within the Fine Craft and Ceramics community.

WANTED

A collection of 24 canvases by ACC member Anita Nawrocki were displayed at the Muttart Conservatory over May/June that explored what countries around the world value.

ACC Professional Member Brenda Malkinson’s latest Alberta Craft Discovery Gallery exhibition The Surface of Things: Chasing Light were featured in the May 31 - June 6 issue of Vue Weekly.

PORTRAITS

ACC Member Alberta College of Art + Design, along with ACAD graduate and ACC member Jamie Kroeger were featured in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue of Ornamentum, published by the Canadian Society of Decorative Arts. The articles discuss the ACAD Jewellery & Metals Program.

Call for Entry

Deadline for Entry

December 3, 2018

As part of the celebration of Aboriginal History Month, contemporary local Indigenous artist and ACC member MJ Belcourt Moses presented a lecture called “My Art My Spirit My Metis” that included handson examples of hair-tufting, hide stretching, and more at the McLuhan House in Edmonton.

Kudos to ACC Professional Members

J ulia Reimer and Tyler Rock whose work was featured in this month’s print and digital issue of Avenue Edmonton.

What does Edmonton’s Capital Boulevard have in common with the Prime Minister’s office and the Emperor of Japan’s home? They can all boast that they have works from these renowned Alberta glass blowers. Their piece, “Transect,” was unveiled on 108th Street last year in Edmonton.

A portrait is a visual representation that shows the likeness of a person or self in physicality, personality, or even mood. In this open call exhibition, the Alberta Craft Council welcomes entries from all craft media. We encourage artists to interpret the portrait in its widest sense and share the story of its subject. The exhibition will be launched in the Alberta Craft Feature Gallery - Edmonton in January 2019 and then hosted at the Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary in June 2019.

Work must be handcrafted, completed within the last five years, and created by an artist living in Canada.

Submission details can be found online at www.albertacraft.ab.ca/opportunities

Are you a current member of the ACC and have news to share?

Whether it be involvement in an exhibition, event, or special project, email news@albertacraft.ab.ca to spread the news.

Tony by Liv Pedersen

Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards

“We are so pleased to be able to invest in advancing the careers of these outstanding young artists who truly will make a difference across Alberta – and Canada.” Foundation Chair Ken Regan

Pamma’s work involves depictions of characters of various age, gender, whether they be imagined or not. She attempts to portray what life experiences these characters have been through.

Pamma feels “incredibly honored” to have achieved an award of this caliber, and the ACC echoes her sentiments.

For those who visited the ACC Galleries this past year and for those familiar with the January – May issue of Alberta Craft, you may remember seeing Pamma’s five ceramic plates with depictions of fairy tale characters (pictured above). These creations, along with audio poems of Tyler B. Perry that accompany each plate, were part of the ACC exhibition Process; thinking through, and photographs of the full exhibition can be viewed on the ACC website.

“Faces carry stories and I like to scratch beneath that surface.

I am drawn towards the sadnesses that occur in everyone’s life - I feel compassion and empathy for different characters - whether real or imaginary, historical or contemporary. For example, in the recent past, I have made bodies of work in clay and collage that are based on this sadness ”

www.albertacraft.ab.ca/blog

The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation announced the ten winners of the 2018 Emerging Artist Award this June. Multi-Media Artist and ACC Member Pamma FitzGerald is one recipient and the ACC congratulates her for this momentous achievement.

-Pamma FitzGerald

Information and photo (left) provided by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation and the Canadian Crafts Federation. “Check out our blog to read the full interview.”

Her Honour, the Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, CM, AOE, LLD, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta presented the medals and awards at a private ceremony at Government House in Edmonton on June 1, 2018.

LINDA STANIER AWARD & ENDOWMENT A GROWING LEGACY

Linda Stanier was an artist/potter of exceptional talent. She was prominent in Alberta’s active ceramics scene as a maker, technician, teacher, juror, curator, and enthusiastic 20-year member of the Alberta Craft Council, volunteering and serving on the ACC Board of Directors from 1990-94.

Linda touched the lives of everyone she met with her joyful giving spirit and her wonderful sense of humour. It was in honoring Linda’s generosity and devotion to her ceramics community that inspired her family to set up an endowment and award when she passed away in 2004 after her journey with cancer.

Linda’s family worked with the Alberta Craft Council and the Edmonton Community Foundation to establish a permanent endowed award; the Linda Stanier and Family Memorial Award for excellence in ceramic arts.

The endowment for this award was set up with an initial investment from family and friends of $23,743.35 in 2004. The Edmonton Community Foundation manages this endowment, placing it in a range of investments, which averages about 8% in earnings annually. The award money comes from the interest accrued; the amount normally disbursed is 4% of the fund value at the end of the prior year. Approximately 1% of the interest earned goes to fund the operating of the endowment and the Edmonton Community Foundation, and the remaining 3% (on average) stays in the fund as a buffer against inflation or bad investment years.

In the 14 years since the endowment was set up, it has grown to the value of $50,700, with interest accrued, and additional contributions including money raised from the sale of Linda’s ornaments at the ACC. This growing endowment is now able to support an additional disbursement and the ACC is working with Linda’s family and the Edmonton Community Foundation to explore options of how to expand on the good work of this growing legacy.

Once the ACC Awards are handed out this October, $14,000 will have been awarded to deserving ceramic artists across our province in Linda’s honour.

2005 – Diane Sullivan, Calgary, $1,000

2006 – John Chalke, Calgary, $1,000

2007 – Katrina Chaytor, Calgary, $1,000

2008 – Judith Green, Pincher Creek, $1,000

2009 – Christian Barr, Wildwood, $1,000

2010 – Sam Uhlick, Ardrossan, $1,000

2011 – Dawn Detarando & Brian McArthur, Red Deer, $1,000

2012 – Jim Etzkorn, Medicine Hat, $1,000 Our ACC awards went to every other year, doubling the amount awarded

2014 – Anna Rasmussen, Dickson, $2,000

2016 – JoAnna Lange, Edmonton, $2,000

2018 – Join us in Calgary on October 20th to find out the latest recipient!

Images (clockwise): Past Linda Stanier Award Recipients: Anna Rasmussen, Jim Etzkorn, JoAnna Lange, John Chalke, Sam Uhlick, Dawn Detarando, and Christian Barr

MEET THE MAKER

Alberta Craft Council: Where did your interest in ceramics come from and what inspires your work?

Mindy Andrews: Originally, I went to art school at Red Deer College to become a painter. I took a ceramic art class as an elective and the rest is history. After completing my diploma in Red Deer I transferred to the Alberta College of Art + Design to get my ceramics degree.

The images I place on my work come from my childhood and present-day experiences. I grew up in an amazing forest in North Western Ontario (Kenora-Longbow Lake). My playground was 98 acres of pristine forest that was adjacent to crown land and a marvelous lake. Many of my days were spent roaming the forest and taking my canoe onto the lake exploring.

I’m now also inspired by the beautiful surroundings of the Canadian Rockies and Foothills of Alberta.

ACC: How have you kept your work moving forward throughout your career?

MA: I remember the most important message that was given to me in art school … talent means nothing: if you don’t have drive and determination, you’re not going to make it! I’ve never forgotten those words. I make it a priority to apply every year to national

and international shows. I also love doing collaborative work with other artists. This can take me into new directions. The one tip I have is that artists must be juggling many balls at once to maintain a career.

ACC: Was there an important event that helped shape your career?

MA: While attending ACAD for my ceramics degree, ACC Professional Member and the ceramic tech at the time, Brad Keys, urged me to get involved with the ACC. I learned about the caliber of exhibitions provided by the gallery, opportunities for artists to develop professionally, and the connections I could make throughout the craft community through the ACC.

In 2009 I was involved in an exhibition in Seoul, South Korea. At the same time, Canada was the feature country of the Cheongju International Craft Biennale, which featured a group exhibition and Canadian craft boutique.

ACC: How did this impact your work?

MA: While I was in Korea, I ended up going to an artist’s home and studio. In his living room, there were porcelain blocks on the wall, separated like lego pieces. I loved the beautiful, simplistic imagery and the plates that were not round. Western views of looking at functional work is very different and being able to hold and see this Korean style of work made all the difference. I have applied these design techniques to my current work and my painting background definitely ties it all together.

ACC: What other Canadian ceramicists do you admire?

MA: Now, who would be on my list… Bruce Cochrane, Carole Epp, April Gates, Cathi Jefferson, Goyer/Bonneau, Robin Hopper, Barb Tipton, John Chalke, Greg Payce, and Katrina Chaytor. There are also many other artists I admire in Australia, UK, and Japan.

ACC: What is your favorite thing in your studio?

MA: I would have to say a beautiful handmade bamboo and fox hair brush I bought at the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) a number of years ago. This was the first brush I purchased, and I used it for the new style of work that emerged from my trip to South Korea.

Alberta Craft Council Professional Member Mindy Andrews provides insight into her artistic process, the challenges of working as a full-time Fine Craft artist, and the Canadian ceramicists she admires most.

Mindy was the recipient of the Alberta Craft Early Achievement Award Achievement in 2010

Saturday, November 3, 2018

10139-87 Avenue, Edmonton Strathcona Community League Hall 10am - 3pm | Admission: $3

Return Address:

Alberta Craft Council 10186-106 Street

Edmonton, AB T5J 1H4

Two celebrations of holiday goodwill and cheer!

Toast the season with live music, good food, craft drinks, great company, and wonderful shopping.

·

Calgary · Saturday, November 24, 2018

Edmonton · Saturday, December 1, 2018

more info & tickets:

www.albertacraft.ab.ca