Canadian Clay Symposium Diversity in Clay Reflections on the Past and Future Having time now to reflect on the 2nd biennial Canadian Clay Symposium, I'm really able to realize what a wonderful commu- nity we are. There are so many details to do prior to the conference day, and even when you think you have done everything, there always seems to be a couple that get past you. Weknew Peter King would be popular and hoped the room he was in would be big enough. Well it was too small, but what was so good was how everyone rolled with it. We have already figured out a plenty large enough room for the next time. Same with the remote for the slide projectors that refused to work! Presenters stayed calm and so did everyone else with the presentations going remarkably well — in fact they were great, Needless to say, the remotes are gone and we've already ordered long long cords that will work. No matter how hard everyone works, there is always something that will tum up and it's great that everyone is so good and aware that we're all doing our best. The brand new Skutt kiln complete with computer obtained with the help of Greenbarn and Skutt worked perfectly. We got crystals! Everyone who took the three day workshop with Peter Isley following the symposium got crystals as well. The work- shop was a great success. The kiln is a wonderful addition to the opportunities provided by the Shadbolt Centre. It was great to have the books written by the presenters avail- able at the Greenbarn booth. They were overwhelmed with the re- sponse forthe books and did take orders for books thal sold out. They are ordering in more books so if you missed a book that you really want, just give them a call, The symposium is a great day to learn and an opportunity to visit, and grow with each other, We are already thinking about present- ers and topics for 2004. If you have any suggestions be sure to conmlact us. Remember an idea that becomes a part of the symposium, such as Harmeny Vissers’ wonderful Jowrney — Inspiring Influences, gets a free pass to the 2004 Canadian Clay Symposium, We want to provide what will interest you. Comtact Sharon at 604-205-3012 or Cathi at , We really appreciate your input. [t's wonderful to celebrate the talent we have here in BC and reach out to ceramic artists from Canada and around the world, Thank you everyone for your support, Carhi Jefferson 6 Potters Guild of British Columbia Newsletter The Journey—lInspiring Influences Continue I have to thank the committee, the presenters and all of the volunteers whe put the Diversity in Clay Canadian Clay Sympo- sium together. I had a wonderful time. I had not really met Paul Mathieu, Sally Michener, Susan LePoidevin or Pamela Nagley Stevenson before, 1 met them on the Friday evening before the Symposium. It is one thing to have an idea, but to watch that idca grow as other people join in a presentation is wonderful. | have an image of 2 young Pau! Mathieu waiting in the dinnerware section of a store while his mother shopped. I can visualize the look on his face when he realized that ceramics did not have fe be bremwst, that there was 2 Whole new world of colour as well to be experienced. I still see Sally Michener’s lovely sculptural pieces in my mind and found her comfortable attire and her red shoes endearing. There isacharm about Susan Le Poidevin and her handbuilt work. I have to admit | have been to Scotland but missed some of the more spiritual places Susan's slides showed. I had never wanted to go to Hawaii, feeling it was a yuppie experience, until | saw Pamela Nagley Stevenson's slide show. I had no idea it held such diversity of cultures and had never realized the spirituality to be found there. Thank you all for your wonderful slide presentations. My only regret about the symposium is that there was so much that I missed. I would have liked to have seen everyone. Thank goodness for videotape. [still can’t believe ! gained entry to the Symposium on the weight of an idea, Winning this contest was amazing for me. It wasn't until the next day I realized I had been given an opportunity to do something | had always wanted to do, | got te be an inspirational speaker of sorts, There are those things that would appear to be over and done. While it is truc the Symposium is over, there is that residue — the special kind, The kind that holds Spirit and m*a*g *i*c. | left that day still feeling it; still knowing there is something more I brought home with me and will take with me through the days to come. And there are those images, techniques and experiences | will have with me always. Sincerely, Aarmeny Daniel Vissers Above felt: Alison Feargrieve, pre wenber al lhe Symp sium, ind primitive firing at Shadbalt Centre. Aight: Works by Pamela Nagley Stevenson presenter al the Symposium