WE GET LETTERS (EDITORIAL)

It's been an interesting summer of work, visiting. and contemplating the state of the world. A couple of letters have come this way, both of which can’t be totally reproduced, but which raise issues that are timely.

Eileen Lewenstein of the Craft Potters Association in Britain, and co-editor of their Ceramic Review magazine, visited Vancouver and the Guild and Gallery in June, and sent us a note on her return. She writes, “Ournegotiations are still continuing and we hope for pood news, but it is difficult waiting. Somedays sales are wonderful and on others they are not, and none af us can understand why, ftdoesnt seem to be good or bad weather or any grea! political event, Often goed days are because one visitor will spend 2 ar 3 rousand pownds, Our problem is thet we do not attract enough suck people!

It was good meeting you all, Do please make contact if you come over to the UK. (This applies to all your members).”

The negotiations she refers to are about the viable lease of a Gallery/Shop space in London. Sales have been down for them too, and they are having to look for alternate or cheaper space,

A lengthy, two-part letter (impossible to edit in toto for publication) from Keith Receveur of Gibson's Landing is addressed 1 all the members of the Potters’ Guild of B.C, Init, he questions everything from our dependency as workers in clay on prepared clay products: “/ nemmaged through an old issue of the Western Potter recently for inspiration, and am still energized with the expert and informative articles from back then, regarding local soluttans to technical proileny thet face ws in an overly technical society. The reversal in attitudes towards clay since the 70's is what astounds me mogt”, to the apparent lack of support or action on the partof this Guild to see to it that pottery as a profession is recognized and given validity: "The technical skills, physical abilities, innovative mechanical creations, and strength of character thar it takes to perform the processes of clay, and the economics of making a living with clay and

September, 1993

kiln set potters aside and unique from all other professions which sport qualified degrees." He also worries about the non-polter membership on the Board of Directors of the Guild. P'dlike to assure Keith that it is perhaps with the assistance of sompef {here are [WO at present) understanding non-potter Board members that we will be able to successfully make more valid our existence as potters. Heaven knows we need all the help we cam get: to make the Gallery a place for people to learn more about clay and its potential in their lives, as well as financially viable on its own; and to keep the Guild on track as an organization whose purpose is to provide valuable information to the public as well as its membership about all things “ceramic”.

Of related interest, the Alberta Potters’ Association have recently gone through a soul- searching, with Board members attending a Board Development worksbop this past winter. In their June newsletter, they presented a mission and other statements prepared at the workshop which should serve them well.

In answer to the question, “Why are we doing this?”’, their belief statement is “The APA believes in the worth of ceramic arts.”

To “What are we doing?”, “The APA wishes to preserve the past, nurture the present, and grow into the future.”

The target statement, answering the question “Who are we doing it for and with?", is “The APA serves the clay community. The APA wishes to ensure an Alberta-made ceramic piece in every home.”

Finally, to answer the question “How will we do it?", their Gaal Statement reads," The APA aspires to be:

(1) The collective voice of the Alberta clay community

(2) to represent the clay community to all levels of government and the general public, (3) to communicate with related organizations, and

(4) to promote ceramic excellence.

In the President John Robertson's accompanying message, be also states that “Potters need to be paid a fair price for their time and skill. The bottom line for ceramists is to sell their pieces at fair prices.”

I would like to think (and do) that the Board of this organization would not disagree with the Alberta organization's position, I hope this will answer some of Keith's queries and perhaps yours.

Keith, [have a “good castable recipe” for you!

Jan Kidnie, Newsletter Editor

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