Creating a Pottery Business p8 Ceramics by Angela Abbott Wallace Rockhole Pottery
A Residency in a French Town p12 So You’ve Just Got a Gas Kiln p16 Crowd Funding a Pottery in Wallace Rockhole p17
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
WELCOME FROM CERAMIC ARTS QLD It is hard to believe that Christmas is fast approaching and another year is nearly gone. I am typing this with my left arm in a cast as the result of a stupid decision I made to remove a car boot’s gas struts by myself. I have the option of focusing on how I wished I hadn’t done it or putting all that aside and moving forward as best I can. Since its birth in 1968, CAQ/Fusions/ Queensland Potters, has had its highs and lows, and we have a choice as to how we deal with that. That is to either spend all our time in regrets and placing blame, or to gather our resources and move forward. I think that we are well placed now to move forward with some incredibly talented and capable people now on our Board.
Your Board Emma MacGregor is the longest serving member of our Board having been President for 3 years and capably guided the group through its leanest times. She was born a potter with her Mum being a very accomplished wood firer, but it is her enthusiasm and flair for being able to solve practically any problem that makes her invaluable. Emma recently resigned as our Projects Manager and is now officially back on the Board as Secretary. Until recently Emma was the youngest of our Board but that title now belongs to Kimberly Oberlin who is a breath of
fresh air and helps keep us a little more up to date. Kimberly as well as being a potter is a keen photographer. Paul Holland, of Windmill Pottery, has been Kimberly’s teacher and he also brings considerable photographic and film skills in addition to his pottery knowledge. Paul is one of the few potters who still digs and prepares his own clay and glazes from scratch, and has been teaching these skills successfully for many years. I think that we are well placed now to move forward with some incredibly talented and capable people now on our Board. The other full time professional potter on the Board is Bill Powell whose mastery of the wheel and crystalline glazes leaves me quite overwhelmed. I do not think that I will ever tire of watching him throw his magnificent large pots. Our Treasurer Glen Wardle lives in Toowoomba and has been potting for many years. Glen is the current President of the Darling Downs Potters and he has seen first hand the problems faced by aging groups with facilities but few members. Their club is coming back to life with membership now over one hundred and a Workshop planned next year with the renowned potter, Janet De Boos. Tadokoro Yutaka, or as he is better known, Tad, is President of Redcliffe Pottery Group. Tad is a pillar of good sense and absolute reliability, keeping track of all memberships. If you have ever attended a Tookit workshop, it was probably Tad who greeted you and gave
you a name tag (prepared by himself of course.) I am a graduate of USQ majoring in ceramics with a background in education, and I most enjoy encouraging others. Supporting our Board is our wonderful Office Manager, Di Peach and our astonishing new Project Manager, Frances Smith. Di started out with Queensland Potters and has an invaluable knowledge of where we came from, as well as a desire to see us continue to move forward. I was very fortunate to accompany Di to Warwick for the Wide Bay Burnett Pottery Convention and she has a fascinating collection of tales to tell of the past, great ideas for the future combined with years of pottery experience. Our newest staff member, Frances, brings a wide range of abilities. Also a proficient potter, Frances brings with her much anticipated skills in design, IT, website management and knowledge of marketing and promotional activities. With this wealth of talent, our challenge is to now start to implement our good ideas and move forward, always keeping in mind our basic aim which is: “To elevate, celebrate and stimulate ceramic arts in all sectors of society through advocacy, fellowship, learning and endeavour”. Happy Potting,
Lynette Larson PRESIDENT
CERAMIC ARTS QUEENSLAND
Christmas Gathering - Saturday 26 November 2016 from 2-5 pm It is always a pleasure to meet new friends and chat to old ones. Christmas is such an occasion, with the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the year within a community whose participants usually work in isolation. Amidst this camaraderie will be a sharing by our VicePresident, Bill Powell of his Artist in Residence experience in Vallauris, France. Bill was a successful applicant to this program that encourages and facilitates interaction between local and international artists. This will open the floor to discussion on the attributes of other AIR facilities world-wide.
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The CAQ Permanent Collection and archives are stored at BVAC so it will be a rare opportunity to see some pieces unwrapped and displayed and provide a challenge to name the makers, with a prize given for the most accurately named. Please RSVP for planning purposes to info@ceramicartsqld. org.au and we hope to see you there. VENUE: upstairs at Brisbane Visual Arts Community (BVAC) headquarters, 140 Weller Road, Tarragindi. 2.00 pm. Bring a plate and a ceramic Secret Santa. Drinks provided. Parking on site.
CONTENTS | CONTRIBUTORS
Ceramic Arts Queensland
Bulletin NOVEMBER 2016
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8
12
2
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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EDITORIAL | LETTER TO THE EDITOR | AROUND QUEENSLAND
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INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCY PROGRAMMES
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SCULPTING THE HUMAN HEAD Alexander Esenarro
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POETRY IN CLAY Kylie Johnson - paper boat press
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TREASURES FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION
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ARTISTIC ADVENTURES IN VALLAURIS Bill Powell
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SO YOU’VE JUST GOT A GAS KILN Paul Holland
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“WATCHA DOING, SU CAN I JOIN YA” Su Brown, A True Story
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EARLY INFLUENCIAL WOODFIRERS of Our Region
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2017 CAQ CALENDAR
CAQ CONTRIBUTORS
BILL POWELL
DIANNE PEACH
EMMA MacGREGOR
GLEN WARDLE
KIMBERLY OBERLIN PAUL HOLLAND YUTAKA TADOKORO FRANCES SMITH
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EDITORIAL | LETTER TO THE EDITOR | AROUND QUEENSLAND
QUEENSLAND HAPPENINGS Hello. My name is Fran Smith and I am the new Projects Manager for Ceramic Arts Queensland. I am proud to be presenting you with my first edition of the Ceramic Arts Queensland Bulletin quarterly magazine. I have been a potter since art school. I have also been a graphic designer for TV, print publications, newspapers, museum installations and more websites than I care to remember. But my abiding love is for the practice of ceramics, so being part of the great team here at Ceramic Arts Queensland is a privilege. Everyone
LETTER TO THE EDITOR A COMPLETE DISREGARD Perhaps many of you are unaware that from 1 January 2017 a new system of VET student loans will be introduced. This is justified as an initiative to offer greater protection for students and to encourage students to acquire qualifications that address industry needs and create better opportunities for employment. This sounds very worthy except it means that most arts related courses, including those in ceramics, are excluded. This seems to ignore Australia’s fine tradition in ceramics and the number of world class professional artists currently practicing in the field. The skills required in ceramics are not those that can be acquired easily or replaced once lost.
I have been in contact with at CAQ love what they do.
Julie Smeros: Lost in Agean
They are from all walks of life and are potters with a vast amount of experience who genuinely want to reach out to all potters in Queensland and share their knowledge as well as promote the art and craft of ceramics.
New ceramics by Julie Smeros featuring “sumptuous blue glazes, slips and cobalt oxides in drips, splotches and brush strokes on slab and wheel thrown forms.”
There have been a few changes to the regular communications we send out, both the Flash Newsletters and now the Bulletin. We’d love your feedback, your suggestions and any story ideas you might have. I would like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous and productive new year. Fran Smith
PROJECTS MANAGER
Talent needs to be nurtured and developed, nor is it limited only to the wealthy. Making these courses ineligible for VET help, not only places training in these skills out of the reach of many people, but it shows a complete disregard for the value of these skills and the arts in general. However, not only do the arts make a significant financial contribution to society, but they also greatly enhance its well being. I do not think there are any other sectors that are so frequently called upon to volunteer their services for no monetary payment, or who work so many hours for so little reward. In this issue of the Bulletin, we have a look at the practices of two artists for whom ceramics is not merely a “lifestyle” choice but how they earn their living. Lynette Larson
Let us know about your event
1 - 30 November 2016
Ari Jewellery Gallery Workshop, 1/760 Brunswick Street, New Farm 4005 T: 07 3358 6388; 0418 499 218 W: www.arijewellery.com.au Gallery hours :Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm
2016 Sunrise Arts Exhibition and Gallery Sale Opening - Friday 18 November 2016 at 6pm - 7.30pm (NSW time) RSVP Essential
15-20 local artists will be exhibiting in a variety of media. The Gallery is open on 2 (non-consecutive) weekends from 10am - 4pm (NSW time): Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 November 2016 and Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December 2016. RSVP: E:paul@activelifematters.com W: www.facebook.com SunriseArtsPaulButton Sunrise Arts Gallery, 20 Blue Seas Parade, Lennox Head NSW 2478
Art With Altitude 19 and 20 of November 9:00am to 4:00pm
An exhibition and sale of ceramics, painting, drawing, jewellery, glass work, photography, and wood work. “Art with Altitude” - exhibition, craft stalls, music and a chance to visit the Maiala National Park and unique cafes.” Mt Glorious Community Hall, Mt Glorious www.mountglorious.org.au/2016exhibition.html
If you have an exhibition, workshop or happening planned, please drop us an email and let us know about it at: info@ceramicartsqld.org.au or visit our website: www.ceramicartsqld.org.au
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RESIDENCY PROGRAMS
Banff Artist in Residence
at the
Application Dates January 20 - for April - June 2016 March 2 - for July or August 2016 April 20 - for September - December 2016 August 31 - for January - March 2017
MAKERS GALLERY
Megan Puls staged her latest exhibition entitled “SILT” at Stephanie Outridge Field’s Makers Gallery in Clayfield Brisbane. The exhibition opened on Sunday October 30 and runs until the 27 of November 2016.
Megan explored an environmental theme with a stunning black and white series. The exhibition was opened by director of the Cooroora Institute Dr Tamsin Kerr. http://makersgalleryaustralia.com/
Tea’licious
Jill Cuthbertson
“The elements of the teapot - the body, spout, lid, handle and foot, to be well constructed, well weighted and a beautiful pouring vessel is definitely a challenge and not for the feint hearted.”
SILT and Tea’Licious continue until 27 November 2016 at Makers Gallery, 53 Jackson Street, Clayfield 4011 Queensland
Wide Bay Burnett Pottery Convention BY LYNETTE LARSON
The 41st Annual Wide Bay Burnett Pottery Convention was held on the 14, 15 and 16 October. Although not officially part of this region, Warwick Potters were generous enough to offer to host the event this year. The convention provided
a wonderful opportunity for potters to get together, chat and share ideas. There was something to interest everyone with tutors focusing on a wide range of pottery skills.
Bill Powell - throwing demonstration
You can see the full report in the current edition of FLASH.
the redcliffe pottery group members’ exhibition
2016
Redcliffe City Art Gallery and Library Complex, 470-476 Oxley Ave Redcliffe
22-29 November
Open: Mon to Thur 9am to 5pm Fri 9am to 8pm Sat 9am to 4.30pm Closed Sun Tuesday 29 November final day 9am to 2pm
Ideal end of year and Christmas gifts
FREE Entry For more information contact: Tad 0411 339 061 or email austad@bigpond.net.au
Banff AIR offers the opportunity to create while removed from the constraints of everyday life. Artists are provided with a studio accessible 24 hours a day, as well as use of the extensive facilities. Knowledgeable staff are available to provide technical support and assistance (subject to additional fees).
Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive T1L 1H5 Banff, Alberta Canada E: arts_info@banffcentre.ca W: www.banffcentre.ca/visualdigital-arts T: 403-762-6180
European Ceramic Workcentre sundaymorning@ekwc Application Dates Deadline for the next round is December 15, 2016, for residencies from the end of 2017 to 2018.
The artist-in-residence programme is a unique chance to work with ceramics at the highest level. Sundaymorning@ekwc yearly allocates 64 work periods of 12 weeks to artists, designers, architects, writers and musicians who want to benefit from the excellent support, the large kilns and the many technical possibilities the centre has to offer.
European Ceramic Workcentre Almystraat 10 5061 PA Oisterwijk Netherlands E: tjan@ekwc.nl W: ww.sundaymorning.ekwc.nl T: +31-13-3031180 F: +31-13-3031181
For more information about artistin-residence programmes, here are some resources.
www.resartis.org www.shirooni.com
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Poetryin Clay
How Kylie Johnson built her business A self-employed creative. A respected poet with a penchant for deep simplicity. A lauded ceramicist with a distinctive range of commercial, exhibition and artistic works. A studio owner and employer of six other creatives who help produce her internationally famous pottery lines. This remarkable person is the subject of our Quarterly Interview. She is all of these things and much, much more and her name is Kylie Johnson. INTERVIEW BY FRAN SMITH Kylie Johnson is the owner and creator of Paper Boat Press, a boutique ceramic studio in Ashgrove, Brisbane which she opened in 2004. There she sells her own work, holds exhibitions and conducts classes for adults and children.
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Tell us a little about your current work My life is currently a marriage of three disciplines: commercial, exhibition work and artistic. Everything I make is unique and follows my basic philosophy. I strive to make pieces with integrity that are both meaningful and beautiful. I am
C E R A M I C A RT S Q L D | Bu l l e tin | No vemb er 2016
a writer and poet and so my work is a combination of the two. My current style is mostly ornamental which is about 80% jewellery and 20% vessels. What have you found is the best form of marketing for your work? I have been using mainly Instagram for the last five or six years and it has been very successful. I have only recently joined Facebook. Instagram is good because you can post something beautiful and small and people feel part of your journey.
INTERVIEW WITH KYLIE JOHNSON OF PAPER BOAT PRESS The quotes I use as part of my work, are what I believe in. I want people to be moved by this marriage of words and clay.
about your commercial work. It could be as simple as the price point and you may have to consider making a range that most customers can afford.
How did you get started in ceramics? Both of my parents were potters so they were the early influences on me.
Go to the markets to get a feel for what is selling, look at design blogs to see what the trends are. Keep an eye on what is on TV, fashion clothing and interiors.
Then I met a group of artists and potters at art school in the 1990’s and became part of this group known as Amphora. I started with house shows and then markets for a while. From the valuable feedback I had gained at the markets I created a saleable range. I also approached shops and as I gained more exposure they contacted me. All this was before the Internet! Who were your major influences? In my 20’s and 30’s I worked with Monica and David Usher and Clairy Laurence. When I was studying at Southbank TAFE I was working under the guidance of Ray Cavill.
In your experience, who is a typical buyer for you or do you think there is such a thing? I would have to say that for the ‘bread and butter’ range it is mostly women. The vessels are purchased by both men and women or men buying something for their partners - especially from the exhibitions.
Can you describe your current commercial works? My work at the moment is pared back and simple in its boldness. If using colour, it is used sparingly. I want my work to be beautiful, truthful and tell a story. I believe there is boldness in simplicity.
They seem to be in the 20 years+ bracket.
How would you describe the current state of ceramics in Australia? I really think that there is a resurgence of the ‘handmade’ which is really good. There is a better energy when eating off something handmade as long as the thought and care has
Any last thoughts? People are daily bombarded with products but I strive to produce work that is real and gracious, which is how I live my life.
What is the role for groups such as CAQ in professional development? New potters are a derivation of existing potters, copying and being inspired by them as they are learning before developing their own style.
I am very grateful for my life.
What are the 3 things that helped you turn from hobbyist into a professional? I think the first thing was the publication of my poems by Murdoch Books. Secondly, I opened a gallery with my work and the work of other artists in 2012, so learnt the art of curating. The work exhibited had to be very well made with no compromises. All the exhibitions were near sell-outs. Thirdly it was the valuable experience I had gained from the markets and the wholesaling of the work. Are there common marketing mistakes you see others making? Mistakes make us better! If you are really keen to sell in this environment you have to be conscious of what is the trend but without being a slave to it. I believe that you should create a body of work which is true to who you are. If things are not running out the door you have to be prepared to change something and not be too rigid
If you are really keen to sell in this environment, you have to be conscious of what the trend is without being a slave to it.
gone into creating the piece. It would be wonderful to see hand made at the level it is in Japan where the work is seen as an integral part of daily life.
You can see more of Kylie’s work at Paper Boat Press by visiting her website at: http://paperboatpress.com/
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FEBRUARY
TOOLKIT 1 Anna-Marie Wallace - Made of Australia
Topic: Running a successful ceramic manufacturing business. Place: RQAS, 162 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane. When: Sunday 19 February at 1.30 pm. $30 M $55 N-M TOOLKIT 2 Stephen Clark – ahagoodthinking
Topic: Preparation for a successful grant application. Place: RQAS, 162 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane. When: Sunday 19 March at 10.00 am. $25 M $45 N-M
2017
MARCH
AGM Place: RQAS, 162 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane. When: Sunday 19 March at 1.30 pm.
TOOLKIT 3
MAY
Raku Firing Day
JUNE - JULY
Place: BIA, 14 Grafton Street, Windsor. When: Sunday 18 June 9.30 – 4.00 pm. $65 M $85 N-M
Place: St James Hall, Cooroy When: 28 June – 1 July. TOOLKIT 5
The Ian Currie Memorial Glaze Workshop
Speaker: Greg Daly Place: BIA, 14 Grafton Street, Windsor. When: Sunday 6 August 9.00 – 4.00 pm. $100 M $130 N-M ANNUAL MEMBERS EXHIBITION & SILICEOUS AWARD Place: BIA Metcalfe Gallery, 14 Grafton Street, Windsor. When: 3– 16 August 9.00 – 4.00 pm. Opening: Saturday 5 August 6.00 pm – Award announcement. TOOLKIT 6
Complex Mould Making with Somchai Charoen
Place: BIA Ceramic Studio, 14 Grafton Street, Windsor. When: TBC $100 M $130 N-M
NOVEMBER
International Woodfirers’ Conference
Place: Cooroy, Sunshine Coast. When: 28 June – 1 July
Early Influential Woodfirers of our Region
AUGUST
Smoke on the Water
Exhibition
Wallace Rockhole Project and Crowd Funding. Place: BVAC, 140 Weller Road, Tarragindi. When: Sunday 21 May at 1.30 pm. $30 M $55 N-M TOOLKIT 4
Su Brown
COPY DEADLINE DETAILS Copy deadline for our next issue is: 20 January 2017 Please forward submissions to: info@ ceramicartsqld.org.au All materials included in the CAQ Bulletin are provided by CAQ members in good faith. Articles and submissions are derived from sources believed to be accurate and current at the date of issue. CAQ reserves the right to edit submissions for publication. Please supply images in high resolution jpeg format. Ceramic Arts Qld is a not-for-profit organisation that was formed in Brisbane in 1968. CAQ is run by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors elected by the membership annually at our March AGM. The Board meets monthly to ensure the organisation achieves its aims which are to promote, develop and elevate all aspects of the ceramic arts in Queensland and Northern NSW; to provide a platform for ceramic artists to connect; and to promote ceramic arts by provision of exhibition, learning and communication opportunities in all sectors of the community. We encourage input and participation from all members in the delivery of our program.
Christmas Gathering - Artist in Residence Reports Place: BVAC, 140 Weller Road, Tarragindi When: Sunday 26 November 1.30 pm.
Don’t forget to renew your CAQ membership for 2017 before 31 December 2016 A membership Form is enclosed
Contact Us Ceramic Arts Queensland PO Box 1414 New Farm Qld 4005 E: info@ceramicartsqld.org.au
Join Us Visit our website: www.ceramicartsqld.org.au
Ceramic Arts Queensland