newsletter of ceramics sa eastern cape
winter 2015
Letter from the Chair
1.
Thoughts from my studio
2.
Ann Marais Workshop
3..
Black and White exhibition review
4.
Catherine Brennon workshop
6.
Regional Exhibition information
7.
Printing
9.
workshop in East London
A morning at the library
10.
Another throwing workshop
11.
We like. . . . . .
13.
Tips and tricks
14.
1
Letter from the chair Time seem to have taken on a whole new meaning this year.
It appears as if we are already racing towards the
end of 2015, and yet we are just more than half way through. I have taken on the task of starting up the new National Ceramic Magazine. It has been an exciting yet very frustrating task, as off course, enthusiasm trumped knowledge. I do not really know that much about publishing, however, the overwhelming response from CSA members contributing to the magazine has been heart warming and it bodes well for the future.
I have also had the opportunity to work with Sue Calf, a volunteer graphic
designer who has spent many frustrating hours with me!
The new magazine should be out soon after this
Argilos so there will be much reading for members to do. Quite a number of our members who exhibited at the National Exhibition in 2014 had invitations to enter other exhibitions. The Hermanus Finearts Festival saw three of our members receiving invitations to exhibit. Those who take advantage of the opportunity to exhibit find that they are receiving invitations to send work to galleries far and wide.
We are hoping to see more of our members taking these opportunities to get their work on to the
market. Our Regional exhibition is coming up at the beginning of October and the call for entry will be sent out shortly. Get working! We are a very small region and everyone needs to make a contribution. For our East London members, a workshop is coming up later in August. Louise Pietrucci has done much to get more ceramists from East London to join CSA and I am hoping to meet many of you there.
Thoughts from my studio Lately I have been mulling on that over-worked subject “But is it Art? “; the debate of Art versus Craft; Expression versus Function; Worth versus Use. Are the two truly divorced? If I make a plate to hang on the wall is it art, while the one I enjoy eating from only craft? Many years ago I read a definition for craft: “If you can wear it, eat off it, drink out of it, or walk on it - it ain’t art. It’s craft“ A search for definitions in art and craft is unattainable, a search for the elusive. Often contentious, but stimulating. Like discussing old lovers! I suspect that although most people cannot define art or craft with any universality they believe art is superior to craft. Fine art will certainly cost you more and add a zero or two to the price tag. Craft should be useful and affordable. Utility and price are close to each other, the higher the perceived utility the lower the price the market will bear. Mugs and bowls have to be priced lower than your mantelpiece dust catchers. The philosopher and critic Arthur Danto says “Art searches for meaning, while craft seeks to “please”. It may be a good definition, but meanwhile I continue to think that some of the pots I own, some made by unknown rural craftsmen, are truly works of Art. But there again, I’m a Potter. Donve Branch
2
3
A�n M�r�i� s���p�in� w��k�h�p at the Department of Ceramic Design Second Avenue Campus NMMU On Saturday 3 October 2015 at 10am to 4pm. Further information and requirements will be sent out at a later date.
Please book at ceramicsec@gmail.com
D�n’� f�r�et �u� so�i�l m�r�in� at ��� N�ls�� M�n��la Art Mu��u�!
4
Black & white A ‘pop-up’ ceramic exhibition themed ‘Black and White’ opened 6th June at Anthony Harris’s ART Gallery in Cuyler Street, Central, Port Elizabeth. The exhibition was initiated by Bianca Whitehead, ceramic lecturer at NMMU, as a fundraiser to support needy ceramic students. Over a period of two years a number of ceramic bisque plates were
handed out to artists, art staff and students at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and local ceramists to paint with black and white underglaze . Sixty odd plates were painted, collected, and glazed by the Ceramic department, and finally exhibited for sale. Plates painted by Pieter Binsbergen (Painting lecturer, NMMU), Lynnley Watson (ceramist), Carl Huebsch (Printmaking assistant, NMMU), and Kate Malan (2nd year Art Student, NMMU) were just some of the favourites. All the plates were priced at the same price, and a good number were sold creating much needed funding.
Margie Higgs
Sandy Godwin
Chantal Martin
John Shirley
Eunice Botes Work by ceramists from Gauteng, such as John Shirley, Eunice Botes, and Sandy Godwin also formed part of the black and white display, adding much elegance and sophistication. Several local CSA members exhibited their own black and white pieces as well. Donve Branch’s smoke fired vases with shades of grey, black and white suited the theme of the exhibition beautifully. Practical wares like Chantal Martin’s black and white tea set, and Margie Higgs’ thrown bowls were striking in pattern and form. Much appreciation goes to Anthony Harris for all his assistance with hanging the exhibition as well as the opening function. Bianca Whitehead
Cathy Brennon Workshop
6
Catherine Brennon came from Hermanus to present a workshop at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Ceramic Department. It was well attended by the usual ceramic enthusiasts with a few new faces and a couple of students. Cathy started off by showing us slides of her work and telling her a bit about herself and her work. I always enjoy getting this glimpse into an artist’s life and hearing what motivates and inspires their creativity. Cathy was warm and generous and it was apparent that she often has a personal exchange with her buyers when she makes “memory boxes” and body masks which she is well known for. Her memory boxes range from smallish boxes about 15 cm high to elaborate storied houses nearly a meter proud, each with secret compartments to store beloved or sacred items within them. Her beautiful creations have been used to store a few sentimental feathers and stones to ashes of the deceased, with the buyer resonating on a deep level with her work to pick “just the right thing” and in turn this must bring her great fulfilment.
Her body masks are moulds made from
torsos of living women which are then decorated. Again this is personal and rewarding work as she works closely with the client. The practical part of the workshop then ensued. Cathy showed us various ways to decorate the clay using slips, handmade or natural stamps, paper transfers, inlays etc. She then went on to showing us how to make her very delicate, lace embossed bowls which she is also well known for and supplied to Anthropologie . Of course she made them in a jiffy and it all looked so easy. My daughter and I then spent two days implementing this method at home and I soon realized experience does count! Our bowls were a sorry affair compared to hers. In the afternoon after a lovely shared lunch it was time to practice these techniques on the pots we were told to bring with us…or so we thought. I cannot reveal what happened next, as Cathy still intends presenting this workshop in other areas. I can only say that it was an interesting exercise to drag one out of your comfort zone. Thank you Cathy for a fun, informative and interesting workshop and thank-you to everyone who contributed with their time, energy and resources to make the event such a success. Heather Frankel
7
Regional Exhibition Art on Target, Target Kloof, Port Elizabeth Opening on Friday 2 October 2015 by Ann Marais The exhibition will run for four weeks (into Christmas shopping time) A small entry fee will be levied per member - five to ten works will be accepted for selection on Thursday 1 October from 9 to 12 Selection by Ann Marais and Donve Branch
(information will follow by email to all members)
9
EAST LONDON WORKSHOP Lydia Holmes will be presenting an all day workshop demonstrating woodblock print transfers, lino cut printing and colouring, silkscreen printing and layering for depth of colour. Offset printing and inkjet printing methods as well as using a clay chine colle, stencils and drypoint plate for printing will also be demonstrated.
Saturday 22 August 2015 9:30 until 15:30 at CVD framers and Gallery 12 Jarvis Rd, Berea, East London.
Contact Louise Pietrucci to book
R200 for CSA members
043 726 1449 or email cvd.framers@gmail.com
R250 non members
10
Night at the museum‌.. No, not really, but we are having a morning at the library of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, 1 Park Drive, Port Elizabeth on Thursday 13 August 2015 at 10am. Verna Whiteley, the librarian who looks after the library up in the rafters of the Museum, will show us all the beautiful magazines and books pertaining to our art/craft and discuss any research issues or individual needs. We will have tea and something with the staff as well. A good chance to see what is there, freely available to you! Please meet in the foyer of the annexe at 10 am. Please indicate a s soon as possible whether you will be attending by emailing ceramicsec@gmail.com as soon as possible. (Just click on the email address)
Donve Branch will once again be running a throwing course
11
At the School for Ceramic Design, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Second Avenue Campus, Summerstrand R1800 for 6 mornings spread over three weeks, commencing on Tuesday 6 October 2015 Please contact Tanja at ceramicsec@gmail.com to book
13
We like‌ http://www.ceramicfusionart.com
http://www.ceramicsnow.org
http://www.look4design.co.uk Please send interesting links to ceramicsec@gmail.com for inclusion
14
Tips and tricks
Mosaic tiles: When cutting mosaic tiles from wet clay, roll the clay out on fabric. Place plastic wrap over the top. Cut with a pizza cutter. The edges will automatically be rounded as the plastic is rolled in under the cutting edge.
Glaze firing: Craig Lesley from CPS informed us at a recent social meeting that opening all the bungs for the soak of glaze firing, results in a more glossy glaze. Everything in the kiln is pretty much soft and nothing will crack.
Storing green ware: Pour water into the bottom of a large plastic storage bin with well fitting lid. Place some bricks on either end and a shelf on top of this. Now you can put your pots in and keep them in a green state for much longer.
Glaze resist: Mix equal parts of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) and turpentine. Stir very well. This mixture does not need heating and will easily brush on with the finest of brushes to broad strokes.
Smoothing green ware: Use a household scouring pad in place of steel wool. You will avoid the contamination of iron bits in your work completely.
Heather Frankel
Chantal Martin
Andy Bowls
Cape Pottery Supplies sponsors of two regional exhibition awards
Kiln Contracts Building, 11 Celie Road, Retreat info@capepotterysupplies.co.za 021 7011320 http://www.capepotterysupplies.co.za
lydia holmes - chair 0835649430 lydia@rgholmes.co.za donve branch - v. chair 0833262842 donve1@telkomsa.net margie higgs - treasurer 0837279454 margiehiggs1@gmail.com lisa walker -workshop-coordinator 0825169220 deanlisa@mweb.co.za bianca whitehead 084 257 3073 bianca.whitehead@nmmu.ac.za Louise Pietrucci east london rep 0828710565 Louisepietrucci@gmail.com