Ban Ceramics Education
I’ve come up with a brand new plan. We need to scrap Ceramic
Education in the schools. I can’t tell you how many students in the course of
my 15 years of teaching at Sheridan College told me they sold more pots at the
Guild Sale before they came to Sheridan than they do now as better potters.
Don’t go pointing the finger at me! I was only a part time faculty and had them
for a total of 7 weeks during their 3 year program.
I have 4 of my former students coming this weekend for a
wood firing. Last long firing we discussed “how to keep love alive? This time
the firebox conversation will be what the hell happened to my work? Why is it
So if our plan as educators is to have our students gainfully
employed in clay upon graduation then we need a brand new plan. We do need to
make money. There is no way I want to eat Ramon noodles each day and I like my
little Cactus Lounge and my old car. I
also like good pots! My definition of a good pot is copied from Hamada- A good
pot is one that I like.
There are some great pots being made today. The best I have
ever seen in my 64 year history. I feel a change coming. It is a small ground
swell but it is enough to give me hope.
From my vantage point I have seen potters that made their
best work while in college and the prospects of making a living has kept their
work on hold for decades.
Same ole, same ole.
Making a living is important and they should stand proud. I am most interested in those that have made a
living and continually made outstanding work. Kayo Young is having a show at
the Carnegie Gallery in Dundas, Ontario in Sept. Kayo is one of Canada’s best
kept secrets. His work in porcelain is ever changing, beautifully executed and
he has made a good living. That deserves a standing O.
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