movie day: Cecilia Kraitz – Raku

“Cecilia Kraitz has been working with the raku technique for more than 20 years and is deeply fascinated by this unrestrained method with its origins in 16th century Japan. The raku pieces are created in a kiln that is fired with wood until the temperature has risen to 900 or 1000° C. The glaze melts in a relatively quick process and the red-hot wares are put into a container with damp sawdust or leaves where they are treated to a post fire reduction phase. This makes the glaze crackle and gives the raku piece its very special character.”

kraitz.nu

Ceramics Studio Practicum Visual + Digital Arts @ Banff Center for the Arts

Overview

Studio Practicum programs are opportunities that expand and enhance participants’ technical and conceptual skills, and increase knowledge in the various mediums supported by the Visual + Digital Arts areas.  The Ceramics Studio Practicum program offers practical experience in ceramics techniques and building processes, kiln firing (electric, gas, soda, raku, and wood), and ceramics studio operation for the support of artistic practice.

Practicum participants will receive regular mentorship and feedback from Studio Facilitators and staff in support of their professional development. Under the guidance of the Ceramics Facilitator, this practicum program will assist staff in the delivery of Visual + Digital Arts residency programs and events, learn maintenance and safe operation of the Ceramics facilities, and provide assistance to artists-in-residence working in this area.

What does the program offer?

Practicum programs offer a dynamic combination of learning opportunities through workshops, demonstrations, and presentations; contact with professional staff, visiting artists, and faculty; and through collaboration with Visual + Digital Arts and other Banff Centre arts programs. Learning objectives are agreed upon in consultation with mentors at the start the program. Although the primary focus of this Practicum is ceramics, learning opportunities may also be available in other visual arts disciplines.

Learning opportunities are primarily practical, hands-on experiences arising from the participant’s support of the Visual + Digital Arts residency programs. This provides participants the opportunity to improve their technical and artistic knowledge, decision-making and problem-solving skills, communication and critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills. In addition to the everyday responsibilities, participants will have dedicated time to realize their individual learning objectives in consultation with their mentor.

Who should apply?

This program is ideal for recent graduates of a studio-based program with an emphasis on ceramics (undergraduate or graduate), wishing to gain professional experience within an institutional context.  Candidates for the Ceramics Studio Practicum program must possess a solid foundation in this area with knowledge of various ceramic techniques, including an intermediate level of experience in at least TWO of the following: kiln operation, fabrication techniques, mold-making, slip-casting, and ceramic materials (clay bodies, glaze chemicals, etc.).  As Visual + Digital Arts is a multi-disciplinary facility, it is also an asset if candidates have foundational skills in another studio area, in particular woodworking or metal working.

Artists from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Full details here.