o

Book Review By Patty Osborne

Ceramic Art: Innovative Techniques
Edited by Anderson Turner
Published by The American
Ceramics Society

ISBN 978-1-57498-299-2

136 pages / $29.95 US

This collection of articles includes
workand techniques that are unrelated
to each other and, for the most part,
artistic rather than functional. They

range from squared casseroles (the
least “artistic” pieces in the book) to pots that are created by printing
them in a three-dimensional printer using powdered slip and some
form of “glue.” In between you'll find porcelain jars that thrown
until they sag and are then hung upside down to dry, pots that are

THANK YOU, MALCOLM DAVIS

October 17, 1937- December 11, 2011

A dear friend, mentor and
inspiration to thousands work-
~. ing in clay, Malcolm's life
journey served as an exemplar
for many who have chosen the
path of the publicly engaged
studio potter. Asa humanitarian
and potter, Malcolm somehow
managed to seamlessly interweave strands of altruism, idealism,
pragmatism and improvisation. He taught us what was required to
lead a meaningful life as a maker, teacher and friend. In the process,
he shared with us lyrical, carbon-kissed pots that came from his own
hands, raised our awareness of the great works made by others, and
generously gifted his knowledge, passion and love for material, process,
meaningful moments and human connection. In the introduction of
his closing lecture for NCECA's 2010 Conference in Philadelphia,
entitled How Did I End Up Here?, Malcolm shared...

“The earth binds us potters to one another; none of us are here without
the other, so gratitude must be paid to this community of makers and
creators... And then there is The Clay. None of us would be here today,
struggling and surviving, creating and making, if it weren't for the power
of the living earth that seduces, sustains and keeps us growing. Thanks to
The Clay, to all those workers and makers over the millennia who paved
our way,”

Malcolm attended his first NCECA event when he was brand new
to clay in 1979 at Penn State University. In the weeks prior to his
passing, Malcolm was working and communicating with NCECA
to gather information and craft presentations for the Past Masters
program being planned for the 2012 conference in Seattle. Malcolm's
heart and spirit will be with us, although not in the manner we had
planned. All of us who had the pleasure of knowing Malcolm will
sadly miss him. As we make moments to meditate on the life he so
richly crafted and selflessly shared, we know that Malcolm would want
us all to go to the studio, touch the clay and make contact once again
with a friend.

“woven” to look like basketry, ceramic paintings, wall pieces that
incorporate impressions that have been slip cast from animal tracks,
and a highly practical lesson on making extruder dies from credit
cards. There are also a couple of articles on smoke firing and one
that examines a successful collaboration between a husband and
wife. Some of the essays offer step-by-step instructions, some give us
insight into how a technique or design evolved, and only a few lapse
into opaque artspeak. I fell in love with the crooked little spouts
on Ray Bub’s reassembled ring teapots which may be similar to
what will happen with many readers who will focus on one or two
details and then run to their studios and try to apply these new ideas
to their own work. Because the techniques here are so individual
and varied, this may not be a great reference book, but by flipping
through it once in a while one might find something to inspire a
new idea or direction.

ArtsConnect's
13th Annual ArtWalk

‘This self-guided tour runs Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April
22 from noon to 5 p.m. both days and is open to everyone. The
best part? It's FREE!

What’s New?

We have footage of the 2009 event on YouTube. View Part 1
and Part 2. If you want to get a flavour of the event, check out our
2011 ArtWalk map, or visit our ArtWalk 2011 Preview Gallery. If
you're an artist who lives in the Tri-Cities and you'd like to apply
to take part in the event, here's how to register. You have until
February 15 to sign up!

Why Attend Artwalk?

Why not! This self-guided tour is a great way to explore the
creative talent of local artists. It also gives you a chance to talk to
them in an informal and sometimes unusual setting. And don't
forget to keep an eye out for that special piece of art for yourself or
someone on your gift list. Remember, Mother's Day and Father’s
Day are just around the corner.

For more information: www.artsconnect.ca/artsconnect/
index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1198&Itemi

d=245

POTTERS “70 an email sent out by NCECA staff in December.
of BRITISH
COLUMBIA Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - February 2012 10