Where have all the potters gone? What is causing a decline in studio pottery? Lack of training? No interest from young people? Government cutbacks? Answers and challenges by panelists look at positive ways to save the studio pottery movement!
Moderator Tony Clennell has worked as a self-employed functional potter since 1980. Tony received his MFA in Ceramics from Utah State University and his Bachelor of Education from The University of Western Ontario. He holds a BComm from Ryerson University and a Business Diploma from Sheridan College. In 2009, Tony became a member of the distinguished Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts. Tony has attended residencies internationally in Japan, China, England and Italy. In addition to studio practice and teaching at Sheridan College School of Craft and Design in Oakville, Ontario, Canada he conducts workshops internationally and has over 55 published articles in various ceramic journals.
Mary Ann Steggles is Acting Director of the School of Art, University of Manitoba. Her research has been published in Art and Perception – Technical, Topferblatt, and Ornamentvm. She is currently curating a major traveling exhibition on Canadian studio pottery masters and ‘youth showing potential’ for the fall of 2015.
Mark Hewitt is the son and grandson of Directors of Spode, and earned a Degree in Geography from Bristol University, England, before apprenticing with Michael Cardew. He then served a second apprenticeship with Todd Piker in CT, before moving to Pittsboro, NC, in 1983 with his wife Carol. He uses local materials and a wood kiln to make high-quality tableware and very large pots. He has exhibited and written widely, and is current President of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Pottery Center.
Lisa Hammond has been a soda glaze & Shino potter and lecturer for 35 years. My work is represented in many galleries, museums and private collections worldwide. Founder and Chair of Adopt a Potter Charitable Trust. Nine years elected board member of Craft Potters Association UK. I have trained 12 apprentices to date.
