Demonstrations. Ceramists from all over the world do several 45 minute demos/interviews to the hall and then you can visit them at their work space to see more closely what they are doing.
A key factor of South Wales Potters is generosity. For 50 years SWP has been a platform for sharing skills, equipment and opportunities not only amongst members but with anyone we can. Every 2 years SWP, North Wales Potters and Aberystwyth University throw Europe’s biggest clay-party the International Ceramics Festival. I’ve been before, working, but this time lovely SWP members Phil Hughes and Kay Milward gave me a ticket and a room and I was free to wander from one fascinating, challenging, eye-opening, reassuring, encouraging lecture, demo, and conversation to the next. And then SWP Cocktails with Mary Cousins and dancing!
Lisa Hammond, UK.
Naidee Changmoh, Thailand.
John Higgins, UK.
There was kiln building and firing.
Helen Walsh from York Art Gallery gave a really interesting talk about the new building and plans for their Centre of Ceramic Art, a fabulous new extension to the Museum opening this August. It’s especially great to see that happening in these pessimistic days. It is going to be wonderful, with imaginative exhibitions, a selling Gallery, a working studio, archives, an educational program and academic research.
One of the high-lights for me was the Emerging Makers presentation. A very diverse and inspiring group of young people were hoping to go on a Residency at the awesome Archie Bray Foundation in the USA. I was so pleased when Lanty Ball was chosen. His committed, thoughtful and sensitive approach to craftsmanship and expression was a joy to see. His pots are very beautiful.
Lanty Ball
Lanty Ball.
Lanty Ball.
Lanty Ball.
The atmosphere at the closing ceremony was very warm, a thousand clay-people loving the work they are dedicated to and respecting and celebrating their peers.
Mary Cousins and Frank Hamer from South Wales Potters.
The closing ceremony.
Rebecca Buck 