Building Narratives:
Mythology & Poetry in Clay
Fall Symposium
October 28-29, 2017
$75 Members $100 Non-Members $45 Educators $35 Students
Organized by ClayHouston, this two-day symposium examines the creative processes behind developing narratives in contemporary ceramics and the techniques that are used to express these narratives. Featured artists Lauren Gallaspy and Virgil Ortiz will give a presentation on the psychological and cultural narratives found in their work and will also demonstrate processes and techniques that they incorporate into their artistic practice. In addition, Art Critic Laura Wellen will speak on "On poetry, with artists". On Sunday, the symposium will end with a panel discussion open to the public. "Conversation with the Artists" will be moderated by Houston Center for Contemporary Craft Executive Director Perry Price.
Lauren Gallaspy
I will be demonstrating handbuilding techniques with porcelain that focus on alternative construction methods using bone-dry clay and slip. Additionally, I will be discussing and demonstrating how I achieve the surfaces of my forms using china paint with an emphasis on a non-traditional, water-based use of the medium. Discussion and conversation always accompanies my demos, which I view as vehicles to discuss the impulses, approaches, and philosophies of being an artist. I think of demonstrations less as a "how to" and more of a "why do".
Virgil Ortiz
"I will demonstrate my coil and scrape method and build a bust from my on-going 1680-2180 Pueblo Revolt storyline and clay series by using contemporary art to blend historic events with sci-fi fantasy – think Star Wars.”
Location: All events will be held at the Department of Visual Arts, University Academic Center (Bldg. 18), Houston Baptist University, 7502 Fondren Road, Houston TX 77074-3298
Parking: Free.
Lunch: Check back for list of local restaurants.
Questions - Nell Gottlieb at info@ClayHouston.org.
Preliminary Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 28th
9:00 - 9::30 am Registration Sign-in & Meet and Greet the Artists
9:30 - 10:45 am Slide Presentations by the Artists
10:45 – 11:00 am Break
11:00 - 12:00 pm Art Critic Laura Wellen on Narrative, Poetry and Art
12:00 – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 pm Artists' Demos & Insights
3:00 – 3:15 pm Break
3:15 – 5:00 pm Artists' Demos & Insights
Sunday, October 29th
9:00 - 10:30 am Artists' Demos & Insights
10:30 – 10:45 am Break
10:45 - 12:00 pm Artists’ Demos & Insights
12:00 – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 2:45 pm Demo Conclusions
2:45 – 3:00 pm break
3:00 - 4:00 pm Artists Conversation with Perry Price
