The Journal of Australian Ceramics

In their articles, Damon Moon and Janet DeBoos have responded to these questions by giving their opinions about the ‘state of clay’ in Australia, considering the changes in ceramics education and offering some solutions to what some say is a crisis.

  (Read Damon’s article here .) As I’m sure you will have your own opinion about the views they express, please share your ideas with others through the Issues Forum at www.australianceramics.com

Our annual National Education Pictorial Survey displays the breadth of ceramic practice in Australia. Thank you to the 30 institutions who submitted images of their graduating students.

At Sturt Woodfire in April, one of the most interesting discussions for me revolved around the need for more depth in ceramics education at a time when course times and budgets are being cut, staff are under pressure in regard to output, more students need to work part-time to support their study and programs are more diverse than ever before. It appears to be time that is lacking – time that is needed to develop skills, time to think and focus on learning this ‘slow’ process called ceramics. One solution proposed by several participants (and also by Damon Moon in his feature article) is that those with the skills and knowledge, the experienced studio potters, should open up their studios to apprentices or offer mentoring to those starting out in ceramics. This time-honoured way of sharing skills and knowledge could be one of the many solutions to providing the depth of learning and the time which is currently lacking. The possibilities offered by distance education, technological advances in video conferencing and increasing involvement with industry are discussed by Janet DeBoos. One thing is certain: We need to openly embrace the changes ahead and act on a personal as well as an institutional level.
From Sturt Woodfire 08, Gary Hill and Ray Cavill present excerpts from their conference addresses on environmental issues, whilst Barbara Campbell-Allen looks at the themes which dominated the conference.

I found Phil Elson’s article on teapots an inspiring, personal story as he focuses on the reasons why he continues to make teapots. The teapot form is an ongoing challenge to potters, as shown in the quiet, simple teapots of Anne-Maria Plevier and the satirical, sculptural teapots made by Jill Anderson.

Finally, I farewell George Butler, our Subscriptions Manager, who is leaving for an adventure in PNG. George’s friendly and competent manner as he looked after the intricacies of subscriptions, invoicing and the mailout of the magazine has been appreciated by all of us. Here’s to the enjoyment of many new experiences George!

Graphic Designer, Astrid Wehling and Editor, Vicki Grima farewell George Butler, Subscriptions Manager

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