new ceramic publication: The Ceramics Reader

by | Feb 17, 2017 | Uncategorized

“The Ceramics Reader is an impressive collection of essays and
text extracts which covers all the key areas of ceramics – both past and
present. It focuses on thoughts and discussions within ceramics from
the last 20-30 years in particular, but also gives the reader a broad
overview of the last 100 years. One aim of the book is to introduce
contemporary debates, raise awareness and stimulate thought rather than
to present a closed case for examination. Consequently the essays or
extracts present different approaches to give a rounded viewpoint.
Beginning with essential questions such as ‘Why are ceramics important?’
it also considers the field of ceramics from a range of perspectives –
as a cultural activity, ceramics as metaphor, where it sits within arts
and crafts, within gender discussions, ceramics as sculpture, the use of
ceramics as a vehicle for propaganda, ceramics within industry, within
museums, and most recently as part of the ‘expanded field’ as a Fine Art
medium and vehicle for ideas.

The texts come from a wide
variety of sources – books, magazines, journals, papers presented at
conferences and online journals, as well as some newly commissioned
material never before published, to present an international and
comprehensive look at ceramics. The book is divided into three main
sections and each has a short introduction by the editors to place the
chosen texts in context and explain the selections, as well as pointing
to any strong threads or issues within the section and offering a point
of view.

This book is ideal for ceramic students, but will also
appeal to anyone wishing to gain a broad overview and understanding of
the world of ceramics.” via Bloomsbury Website.

Help Simon Levin with his book project.

by | Feb 21, 2016 | Uncategorized

Simon says….”I am embarking on a humbling project, it is in its nascent stages but
I am committed to it. I am following in some giant footsteps and
writing a Wood-Fire book. All the stars are aligned and I am ready to go public and let you folks know.

One thing that has changed since Jack Troy wrote his formative book
“Wood Fired Stoneware and Porcelain” 21 years ago is the rise of social
media. Ideas, technology and imagery is spread so fluidly. There is a
lot of choice out there, and I can crowd source knowledge.

So this is my first call for images.
There will be more.

I am looking for drop dead images of kilns and people firing. Train
kilns, anagamas, cross drafts, manibigamas, groundhogs, Bourry box etc.

Please email high res 5×7 350 DPI images to:
[email protected].

Please add your name and type of kiln, exterior dimensions, and year it was built. Also any photo credits.

If I use it in the book, waiver requests will be forthcoming.”

job postings: The Studio Potter

by | Oct 20, 2014 | call for entry, emerging artist, job posting, monday morning eye candy, movie day, residency opportunity, show us your influences, technical tuesday

TWO EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY: 
(1)Bookeeper, (2)Circulation Manager
The Studio Potter, a non-profit organization that publishes The Studio Potter
journal, an independent publication focused on dialog in the ceramic
arts since 1972, is looking for two qualified individuals for the part-time, hourly positions of Circulation Manager and Bookkeeper for its Northampton, Massachusetts
office. See each job description below. Positions are open until
filled. Interested and qualified applicants please send a brief cover
letter and one-page resume to: Elenor Wilson, Executive Director/Editor
at [email protected]. 
Position Title: Circulation Manager
Desired Qualifications:  Bachelor’s
degree; priority will be given to candidates with a degree or
comparable experience in arts administration, non-profit administration,
or marketing. 
Desired Skills: Candidates
should be extremely proficient in Microsoft Office suite, particularly
Excel, and have excellent knowledge of cloud-based computing and
e-commerce platforms. Organizational, research, and innovative thinking
skills are mandatory, and public relations skills and experience are
highly valued. Also: Attention to Detail, confidentiality, thoroughness.
Principal Accountabilities:
Manage,
maintain, and develop the journal’s current and former, national and
international memberships, subscription, and circulation rosters,
including individual, agency, and wholesale.
Act
as the primary service representative to subscribers and members of SP:
field member/subscriber requests via phone, e-mail, and snail mail. 
Organize mailings; including each published issue, all promotional materials, and appeal letters. 
Manage online retail sales of back issues and other SP merchandise
Attend major SP events to assist in sales management
Manage, maintain, and organize all contact lists and records
Assist in the execution and development of marketing campaigns through both traditional and online media
Provide administrative and clerical support as needed 
Hours and Pay: 20 hours per week, hourly pay commensurate with experience
Position Title: Bookkeeper
Desired Qualifications:
Associate’s degree in accounting or business administration, or
equivalent business experience, as well as knowledge of bookkeeping and
generally accepted accounting principles. Candidates should be
proficient in the use of QuickBooks, or other effective accounting
software. 
Desired Skills:
Developing Standards, Analyzing Information, Dealing with Complexity,
Reporting Research Results, Data Entry Skills, Accounting, SFAS Rules,
Attention to Detail, Confidentiality, Thoroughness
Principal Accountabilities:
Issue & pay invoices in a timely manner; manage payroll and process in a timely manner
Monitor electronic transactions, record receipts and make bank deposits
Conduct periodic reconciliations of all accounts to ensure their accuracy
Work with the Treasurer to issue financial statements
Provide information to the external accountant who prepares and files taxes
Calculate and issue financial analysis of the financial statements
Maintain an orderly accounting filing system, chart of accounts, and annual budget
Calculate variances from the budget and report significant issues to management
Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements
Provide clerical and administrative support to management as requested
Hours and Pay: 10-20 hours per month, hourly pay commensurate with experience
Contact Information:
Elenor Wilson
Executive Director/Editor
The Studio Potter
PO Box 1365
Northampton, MA 01061