The extended delay in new work.

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.

I'm teaching workshops and courses at ArtsPlace!

I'm teaching workshops and courses at ArtsPlace!

The image above is full of stories. It started with the first class, a blank board, a chunk of clay and the question: What makes Canmore Magical? Emphasized with: what makes Canmore magical to you? What is here that you love? And the answer is nothing short of bears, mountains, dragons, unicorns, the train and of course rabbits, lol, so many rabbits. If you look closely you’ll find a helicopter on top of mountain that holds the golden dragon egg; you’ll see Lighting McQueen whizzing around the Smith Dorian Highway, passing all the other cars while a dragon AND a dinosaur loom overhead; you’ll see Woodstock, bikes, Elle the Elephant, eagles nests, the Three Sister Mountains and of course… pandas.

Exhibition! Kitsch: Craft So Bad That It's Good

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.

Today I received my Professional Specialization Certificate in Collections Management from University of Victoria

Today I received my Professional Specialization Certificate in Collections Management from University of Victoria

School is a passion of mine. Out of the last 21 years, I have been enrolled in post-secondary institutes for 20 of them. I am currently working on a Diploma in Cultural Resource Management from the University of Victoria, Continuing Studies since 2017.

Co-vid 19 and my studio practice.

Co-vid 19 has been an interesting journey. Classes cancelled, life on hold. Some people found themselves with an abundance of time and some people found themselves without anytime as life was filled with more family and work requirements. I was in the later category. Much of this work was in the kiln, ready to bisque before March 2020, but I was unable to complete the final details and fire until mid-August. I am so grateful to finish this work in August and with schools opening up, look forward to finding new studio time.

Almost taught a course at Artsplace...

As we start the new year I am sad that the course I was going to teach at Artsplace, Canmore was cancelled. Although this opportunity didn’t happen for me, some really great things that I am very thankful for did.

Here is my list:

  1. I am now connected to Artsplace and I have been called to do a party course, try-it throwing drop in and a try-it hand-building 2 hours workshop. All amazing experiences.

  2. I have been signed up to teach a course in the spring. I am super-thankful for the second chance.

  3. I created videos for marketing the “Gaining Weight and Throwing Down” course and have been having a blast doing so, here is one: https://youtu.be/RUMLgX4uKaM More can be found on my new Youtube channel! lol!

  4. Nicole Fougère, Programs Manager at Artsplace said very kind words about my on MountainFM. It was humbling to hear. I will attach the link here (start at the 3.33): https://www.mountainfm.ca/2020/01/06/artsplace-winter-programming/

Uploaded by Ciara Jayne Ceramics on 2020-01-23.