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wooster functional ceramic workshop

updated tue 30 apr 96

 

JUDY FORD on mon 15 apr 96

Hi,
Just returned from the Functional Ceramics Workshop in Wooster,
Ohio. Besides offering ideas and inspiration, the three day workshop
prompted me to depart from being a lurker-only on Clayart-no small feat.
Phyllis Blair Clark with her able staff once again served a balanced meal
to feast upon. The event included an exhibit of 25 potters who brought
variety of color and form-a potters' picnic. The side dishes included a
panel discussing "Working in Isolation" (Clayart was mentioned for obvious
reasons) and a talk by Curtis Benzle, "Truth in Marketing: Overcoming the
Urge to Undersell." The main course was Joseph Bennion and Sandi
Pierantozzi. (Did I mention that Joe discussed the potters' link with
food?!?!) As the two demonstrators revealed themselves through their clay
and revealed their clay through themselves, they treated the workshoppers
to a contrast of style and technique, marketing and philosophy, as well as
geography and evolution. As different as they were, their common bond was
their love of clay and the process which left me gratified to be involved
with clay and anxious for my hands to dance the dance. Go see either of
them if given the opportunity.
One quick footnote. Did you ever wonder what happened to all the
pieces made during a workshop? Joe had a great answer/solution. At the
conclusion, workshoppers could bid on them (the pots, not the potters!)at a
silent auction with the proceeds going to a designated cause. I got a few
pieces and although I feel that it is a rather intimate thing to do, I will
try to glaze and fire them in a manner that will be compatible with the
life of the pieces.
Almost forgot -- next year's program. Mark early April on your
calendar. I'll sign onto clayart to advertise more details of the '97
workshop when I get my registration form. The two main demonstrators will
be Richard Aerni and Linda Arbuckle. Should be great again.
Better stop gabbing and go play my guitar.-Sorry, you had to be there.

Raschella on mon 15 apr 96


> Better stop gabbing and go play my guitar.-Sorry, you had to be there.
>
>Hi Judy,

I was there, and yes it was excellent! Thanks to Joe and Sandy and all
involved in getting it together. I plan to be back next year. And as an
aside, I don't play guitar,,,,,guess I'll stick to clay!!!!!

See ya next year.....

Debbie
(304)788-6167
Rt 2 Box 295 Keyser, WV 26726
srasch@access.mountain.net