Discover ceramic artist Ciara Jayne Linteau's reflections on her first semester at Emily Carr University, exploring cobalt's role in sustainability and the intersection of art and technology.
Unveiling the Blood-Stained Reality of Cobalt: From Congo Mines to Canadian Ceramic Artistry
In an era of tech innovation and eco-friendly pursuits, the origins of our materials demand scrutiny. "Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives" opens eyes to the grim truth behind cobalt mining. Let's delve into the harrowing tale of exploitation fueling our smartphones, electric vehicles, and ceramics. Cobalt, vital for batteries and low-carbon tech, primarily stems from Congo, marked by rampant human rights abuses and environmental degradation. Artisanal miners, including children, endure hazardous conditions for meager pay, with toxic exposure and minimal safety measures. The cobalt supply chain remains complicit, with stakeholders ignoring Congolese suffering. Despite claims of ethical sourcing, child labor and abuses persist. It's a system designed to keep Congolese enslaved to the mines, overlooked by the world. A call for accountability echoes Kara's urgent plea for change. As ceramic artists, we must prioritize ethically sourced cobalt. Canada emerges as a promising alternative, offering responsibly mined cobalt as a sustainable choice. Let's advocate for change and shape a more ethical future for our industry.
GROWW: Guiding interdisciplinary Research On Women’s and girls’ health and Wellbeing
It is an honour to create conference gifts for GROWW: Guiding interdisciplinary Research On Women’s and girls’ health and Wellbeing. GROWW aspires to change the way women's health research is conducted in Canada by removing academic and institutional barriers and taking an intersectional approach to understanding girls' and women's health across the lifespan.
ArtsPlace: Creative Combat Silent Auction
Teaching ceramics is something I hold near and dear to my heart, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of the artsPlace team. Canmore's community arts centre, artsPlace, is a welcoming, user-friendly space where Bow Valley residents and visitors can come to explore, discover, and celebrate the adventure of art and creativity through a variety of classes, workshops, camps, performances, films, and exhibits.
Opening of Kitsch: Craft So Bad That It’s Good
I had a fabulous time visiting the Alberta Craft Council with my mom last weekend for their first opening since the pandemic. It had a wonderful turnout. I got to see friends I hadn’t seen in twenty years, meet new friends, and talk all things Kitsch. Below is a short gallery of images taken at the opening.
Today I received my Professional Specialization Certificate in Visitor and Community Engagement from University of Victoria
This certificate stood out to me as I really enjoyed the course work. I have always admired my instructors, and Dr. Candace Tangorra Matelic inspired me all the more. Her passion is contagious, and I found myself wanting to make museums and their collections more accessible to a diverse public while working with community partners and telling stories from multiple perspectives.
Bow Valley Artists for Ukraine
I am grateful for the opportunity to participate the Bow Valley Artists for Ukraine fundraiser. My great-grandparents were Ukrainians. My great-grandfather, Anton Tyndyk (1890 - 1972), moved to Keppel, Saskatchewan from Knyazhyi Mist, Lvivska Oblast, Ukraine in 1911.Barbara Mot (1896 - 1983), my great-grandmother, was born in Ukraine and married Anton Tendeck in Saskatchewan. I have never met my great-grandparents, though I often think about my heritage as I explore my identity through the land I reside and Canadian history in my work.
The Value of Gift
In a capitalist environment, Hyde explains how vital it is to create as an artist and look for ways to transform their work from commodities to gifts. Working with organizations like the Banff Centre and the Banff Public Library has aided me in my endeavour to decolonize capitalism by allowing me to continue creating my work through their support
Mountain Dinnerware Set
6 piece ceramic set including plate, appetizer plate, bowl and mug commissioned by local from Bow Valley. Inspired by the mountains in Banff National Park.
Thanks to the wonderful Bow Valley Ceramic Community for helping me fire this set to temperature, this beautiful set is finally going to its home!
I am grateful to be supported by the Bow Valley Community. Thank you to the wonderful person who commissioned this set. I appreciate your patience and hope that you enjoy!
winter 2022 artist showcase at The Canmore Museum
I am excited to have my work at The Canmore Museum Shop! I have loved following their community focused initiatives as they reimagine themselves and connect with local communities. I’ve read much of Nina Simons work and I look forward to seeing what an OF-BY-FOR ALL museum can do to transform museum relevance in the Bow Valley.
Beautiful sunset with some of my vases
Sitting still for a moment…
The extended delay in new work.
My kiln was a gift. A wonderful, supportive, surprise gift. A gift with the intention to give me the freedom of my own studio. From a person I don’t know well, but saw my work and wanted to support me. I am so thankful for this gift, I needed this gift at that time. I had just had a child and all income I had was going to support my family and home. This gift allowed me to create when my little one went to bed; it allowed me to keep my identity as an artist; it allowed me to do what I love. I developed a new ceramic style with this kiln, I created my own glazes, I found supporters to purchase my wares. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for this gift.
Exhibition! Kitsch: Craft So Bad That It's Good
Craft artists working in all traditional and contemporary craft media were invited to create their interpretations of kitsch craft; Craft that shares a knowing wink with the viewer, craft that wears kitsch on its velour sleeve as a rhinestone badge of honor, craft that’s appeal is found in its bad taste and ironic value.
