In June of 2012, a group of artists from various backgrounds
and countries came together to make work at The Pottery Workshop in
Jingdezhen. This unique artist
residency attracts serious artists to come and work in the setting of the
Sculpture Factory in the city famous for its porcelain. The residency enables the artist to utilize
the resources of available local artisans and materials to be very productive.
I had already been to China five times and visited Jingdezhen
twice before going back in June to be an artist in residence. I wanted to continue my work using 3D scanning
and 3D rapid prototype printing to develop models for molds and porcelain slip
casting. While working at the Pottery
Workshop, I had assistants available with technical knowledge as well as
English speaking skills. I had molds made of the models I brought with me then
slip castings done using the molds. I had available to me prepared glazes, a glazing
expert as well as a community gas kiln to fire in. I was
able to be very productive, much more so than I would have in my studio at
home.
One of the valuable aspects of such a residency is the
opportunity to work along side other artists.
I was fortunate to be there at the same time as other artists from the
US and Australia. There was a lively
exchange of ideas and technical information.
I look forward to returning to The Pottery Workshop in the
future. I now have the knowledge and
experience to best take advantage of what it has to offer me. I will allow me to make work in a large
numbers and grand scale with exceptional materials and craftsmanship.
