deborahgowerceramics

It’s getting busy now.  I have had a few opportunities that I will be able to let you in on in the coming weeks.  Both local and international. My ANU studies are fast approaching their deadline with all my assessments having to be written up and posted by 7 November.

SO its Banksia’s to the grindstone – or rather my nose and clay fingers to the grindstone.

For anyone considering going overseas next year – why not consider these two gems – you never know who you will meet at workshops and conferences.

Sanbao in China http://www.chinaclayart.com/ or

The International Ceramics Festival in the UK http://www.internationalceramicsfestival.org/

I wonder what everyone is up to at Mud Colony this week – Lets check it out http://mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/

And a few more pictures of Adelaide following a fantastic Ceramics Triennial.

. Happy Clay days everyone

Debby

I am so excited – It’s meeeeeeeeee.  You can check out the interview and see what all my fellow mud colonists are up to at Mud Colony

Apart from this piece of excitement I have had a quiet week with lots of tissues, butter menthol’s and eucalyptus oil.  I need to get better soon as I have lots of pots to glaze  Happy clay days my friends xxx

Please sign http://www.communityrun.org/petitions/fund-art-education-in-nsw-tafe

“On September 11 the NSW government announced that it would stop funding art education in TAFE, leaving 4000 students without access to finishing their courses in 2013. TAFE Art courses are the main provider of art education in NSW, with many prominent artists getting their first ‘hands on’ training in TAFE. The withdrawal of funding will mean that only the wealthy will be able to afford private art education and NSW will suddenly find it no longer has emerging artists with skills coming through.”

“The cultural sector is an economic force, contributing over $30 billion to Australia each year – the arts not only create jobs but also create communities that are more vibrant, cohesive, healthy and innovative. TAFE in NSW puts the ability to make art in the hands of people, without regard to their age, wealth or background. TAFE provides hands on training that develops the skills necessary for artists to succeed. TAFE art students go on to work in many art roles across other industries – in museums and galleries, in community health and local government, in entertainment and hospitality industries. Many of them set up small businesses teaching, producing and selling their art. We undersigned petitioners therefore call on the Legislative Assembly, the NSW Premier, the Minister for Education and the Minister for Arts to recognise the value of TAFE arts education to NSW and to ensure it continues to be funded at viable levels that makes it accessible to all.”

If you care please write to your local members, state members and Ministers.

Mud Colony is gaining momentum. Its amazing how many like minded clay people are getting their hands dirty all over the world.  Check them out at http://http://mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/

Just thought I would share a few of the most fantastic exhibitions that are on in the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast area in September. I am truly inspired by the work that is happening in these areas.

Serpentine Gallery Salon de Refuse Artfelt Art Prize in Lismore 5 Sept to 30 Sept
Northern Rivers Community Art Gallery in Ballina Artfelt Art Prize 5 Sept to 30 Sept
Lismore Regional Gallery Sam Jinks and Christine Willcocks 1 Sept to 21 October
Tweed Heads Gallery Murwullimbah THE ART OF SEEING Friday 17 August – Sunday 30 September 2012

The Arts Centre on the Gold Coast has three great exhibitions

Pipe Dreams: Erica Gray
Foyer Gallery August 25 – October 7, 2012

Life Line Project
Foyer Gallery August 25 – October 7, 2012

28th Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award
Gallery 1 August 25 – October 14, 2012

and Dont forget to check out Swell Sculpture Festival ” Festival at Currumbin Beach 14 – 23 September, 2012. The free exhibition is open all hours with a selection of sculptures revealing a new verve as they are lit up under the southern sky.”

Treat yourself and spend a few days indulging in the arts in some of the most beautiful places in Australia.
Happy clay days everyone
Debby

University gives me a lot of different avenues to explore for assignments and I have had a stroll down historical alley this year.

My first issue of Inside History Magazine arrived this week – and I am loving it. Its full of info on researching family trees. Its a wedding issue this quarter and has some great tips on digital tools.

While usually a Ceramic Artist I have been working on an assemblage in relation to a relative who died at the young age of 19 in World War 1. It seemed even more poignant with the loss of five Australian soldiers in Afghanistan this week. My heart goes out to their families. Here is a sneak peek of some of the memories I am capturing in my tribute “Discovering Ernest”

And as always ceramics takes up a large part of my time. I have been doing some throwing lately and have been experimenting with slip trailing. It is very meditative but a helpful hint – It is important to get the consistency right. Too thin and it slides all over the pot – Too thick and it clogs up in the sliptrailer. But it’s fun to have a go at it.

And don’t forget to check out Mud Colony this week – You never know what they are up to.

Happy clay days everyone

Debby

This week I finished off one of my assignments – in the form of tiny little bookmarks. And what reminder would be on the end of the ribbon – Little books of course. Just for 2012 the National Year of Reading.

Whether your favourite read is Fifty Shades of Grey, Vogue Magazine, Spiderman Comics or the Journal of the Australian Ceramic Association – Just enjoy the pages and the feel of paper between your fingers while you still can.

One of life’s simple pleasures – reading.

And dont forget to check out what’s happening over at Mud Colony for all the latest on ceramic news

Happy clay days

Debby

dont forget to check out what every one is up to on Mud Colony http://mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/

A very special thank you to Artfelt Art Prize http://www.artfeltartexhibition.shutterf… for exhibiting my Banksia at the Ramada hotel Ballina in the lead up to the Artfelt competition.
Check out some of the amazing entries for the Art Prize on their facebook site. Jacqueline King and her volunteers work tirelessly for Artfelt – “This annual art prize is where outstanding art meets social purpose as ALL money raised goes to support the work of Heartfelt House, a not for profit organisation supporting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.”

And a huge thank you to the Ramada Hotel & Suites in Ballina http://www.ramadaballinabyron.com.au for showcasing my work in their foyer in the lead up to the Artfelt Art Prize exhibitions. If you are around Ballina way there is nothing more relaxing than sitting beside the water, drinking cappacino and letting the Ramada’s Hummingbird cake simply melt in your mouth. It is one of my favourite treats.

Happy clay days and as always Dont forget to check out all the other interesting things that are happening at Mud Colony http://www.mudcolony.com.au

Debby