More and more ceramic programs at schools, colleges and universities are be- ing axed. Do we correctly understand why? If the reasons are similar across North America then could we not unite to form some sort of plan?

What are they being replaced with’? Does the replacement cost more or less to mun? Isn't the issue often one of perceived rel- evance? Isn't it often the computer-related programs that take over the ceramic space? [ agree programs can die because of mis- management, but do computer courses get axed or are the instructors replaced? Isn't the tite to make ceramic progrums look more relevant when they are going strong?

Artists face daunting technical challenges, many for which computers are far from irrelevant. Isn't it possible that if introduc- ing technology or creating liaisons with technology courses helps a program sur- vive that alone is enough reason? There are so many technologies that are so useful in ceramics.

The ceramic tile industry is an example of the marriage of technical with artistic. Thousands of companies in Spain, Tur- key, Italy and Portugal make an incredible variety of beautiful works. I am guessing that ceramic art programs related to tile at universities in Istanbul are not in danger. Although many companies are hundreds of years old they readily embrace helpful technology. Can we make our programs more technical in a practical way?

Here are some things that might be incor- porated to make a program better straddle the line between art and technical, to look better to a board of directors and a commu- nity that favors technology:

* Development and deployment of online courseware

* Use of 2D graphics software and ceramic ink jet printers to make ceramic decals

* 3D visualization before construction of sculpture

* Stereolithography to reproduce moulds of 3D drawings

* Gallery website construction

Techno Tip

Making Ceramic Education Thrive

* Introduction of chemistry, mineralogy and physics software and understanding * Use of lab record keeping software to maintain testing, material and recipe in- formation

* Tile fabrication, glazing and firing

* Pattern and mould making using new polymer materials

* A visible magazine rack with examples of technical ceramic publications from around the world (hundreds are available and we are working on a list at Digitalfire}. * Promotion of attendance at industry tradeshows (i.e. tile, tableware)

To some degree some of these can be incorporated in programs for children so the link between ceramics and technology is evident. Boing-Boing, The Ceramic Cat is a children's book about cat aller- gies, a lithe body, and an inventor neigh- bour. You can get it at http: www.acers.ong/publications/books, Other great books available include Ceramic Innovations of the 20th Century and The Magic of Ceramics, They really help readers appreciate that ceramic technol- ogy is not only a part, but the driver behind the electronics and communication indus- toes and a major player in so many others (c.g. construction, transportation, medi- cine, sporting goods), Also see Innova- tive Ideas in Ceramics and Materials Curricula; the title speaks for itself.

When I held a piece of machined silicon nitride in my hand and listened to someone tell me how strong, light and heat resistant it was compared to steel, the light really came on for me; there are incredible things happening in the development of new ce-

ramic materials.

The mystique of primitive and raku firing might be a great link with the past but program survival is now an important fo- cus, We need to be linking with the future. Mixing thousands of textbook glazes may of may not be educational, but now it is time to understand some of the chemistry of glazes and mineralogy of materials, Artists have no shortage of great ideas; the problem is the technical ability to carry them out, isn't it?

Potters Guild of British Columbia Newsletter

Technology, in fact, provides us a way to discuss and plan this together. I have cre- ated a bulletin board site at Digitalfire and will post this article there. Please leave your COMMents on programs you know are in danger and why, and suggestions you have that could be documented and imple- mented. The URL is http://digitalfire.ab.ca! phoram/list.phpf=2.

Tony Hansen

<plainsman @digitalfire.com> Plainsman Clays Limited

Newsletter Submission Deadline the 8th of the previous month Send to Guild office, address on page 12,

or <bepotiersne wsletter@ bepotiers com>

Table of Contents

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Connie Glover new project Techno Tip 2 Newsletter Submission Deadline 2 Submission for exhibition atGalleryof BC Ceramics 3 Trudy Golley Workshop s Neil McBrair Exhibition 3 3

MOCc at Christmas Submission Deadline for Fall Studio Sales 3 Bizen to Hagi: travels of Gary Chemeff and company through Japan . Thompson Valley Guild 5 Kathryn O'Regan at MISSA 6 Two Book Reviews 9 Soda Firing Workshop ll NWCF Scholarships Il Website Update 12 Unclassified 12 Important Contacts 12 October 2002