I am deliriously happy about being able to post these news briefs and feel I’m getting on track again. The briefs in this news round-up are quite good, as I was able to choose from ones that had piled up over three weeks. You will find the interest and variety appealing. Enjoy!
Lest they disappear, The Egyptian Gazette — The Sawiris Foundation for Development trains people in crafts that are disappearing in Egypt, pottery and tanning. While much of the article is about the latter, the end of the piece is interesting and relates to matters we’re interested in….
Retired U.S. prof arrested for trafficking stolen antiquities, JTA — A history prof attempted to steal historical objects, including a 1,500 clay lamp. He would have sold it and other things to a group of U.S. tourists for whom he was leading a tour in Israel.
Documentary depicts Down syndrome student’s struggle to attend art class at S. Oregon, The Republic — A filmmaker’s portrayal of a classmate’s desire to continue working with clay despite difficulties posed by her condition and realities of the classroom.
Stylish Recycled Tiles Help Solve America’s Toilet Problem, The Atlantic — Porcelain fixtures are filling up landfills and thanks to companies like Fireclay Tile, old toilets, etc. are now being crushed and re-used as high-end decorative elements. More of this type of innovation needs to take place across the globe, because, as we know, fired pieces are there for good and cast-offs just take up space. Good plan for a throwaway society.
Pottery tour on Denman Island, Victoria Times-Colonist — Local interest story for my area, SW British Columbia… Victoria Day Weekend holiday fun. The weather is supposed to continue to be sunny and this tour sounds like it would be fun. Eight potteries featured. Another story about it: click here.
Phillips de Pury & Co.’s Design Auction to Present 20th Century Ceramics, ArtDaily — New York company announces Park Avenue sale of works including British and Japanese pieces. Porcelain and stoneware by Lucie Rie and Hans Coper. Japanese ceramics includes work by Sueharu Fukami, Osamu Suzuki and Kazuo Yagi. Work by Italian designer Ettore Sottsass, too.
Christie’s Chinese Imperial Ceramics & Works of Art Sales Valued at Close to HK$1 Billion, ArtDaily — It is almost impossible for me imagine ceramics worth this much money. After all, we’re talking about inexpensive natural materials. When I think this way, though, I am not considering the very apex of craftsmanship and technical prowess, the finest and most expensive of materials, and the history: imperial China. Then, of course, there is the collectors’ market. The Hong Kong Spring sales of Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art takes place on June.
Atomic-level understanding of crystal ceramics could lead to low-power memory devices, Nano Werk — In my effort to cover all things ceramic, a science brief… Cornell physicists believe they have found a ceramic material that can be used to produce the needed polarity to be used to create devices to store “ultra-high data storage.”
Emma Bridgewater spends £125,000 on creating garden on derelict land, This is Staffordshire — I love it when I hear about old British potteries and projects in the works. Sustainability, preservation of culture and history come to mind. In this instance, the Emma Bridgewater factory in Hanley has beautified an empty lot adjoining it.
JANE STREET CLAYWORKS 