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Fighting for a Modern Ceramics tradition
A thread
https://www.dfb-keramiek.nl/2020/10/fighting-for-a-modern-ceramics-tradition/?lang=en
A thread
https://www.dfb-keramiek.nl/2020/10/fighting-for-a-modern-ceramics-tradition/?lang=en
The modern ceramics tradition is spreading. In the eye of the storm, its path is difficult to fathom. And I feel in the mids of today's ceramics storm. But despite the fact that my hair has been blown before my eyes, I see a new wind direction emerging.
A new course that I think is worth fighting for.
The new capital is the shared knowledge, worldwide. New groups unite around digital platforms such as FB, Insta, linkedIn, as well as specific sites for potters such as http://glazy.org .
( http://www.glazy.org ) In these kinds of environments, knowledge is shared, opinions are cast and discussions are held.
In other words, culture is created. A new tradition is developing, not along bounderies of location, land borders or a supposed shared history. A new ceramics tradition: you may think so, but why would you fight?
The modern ceramics tradition
In my opinion, this new ceramics tradition is not a defined technique, decoration or style, but rather the lack thereof.
The current generation of handmade ceramics ranges from multimedia sculptures to cups of low-fired "pit firings" to translucent porcelain (and everything in between). Time will tell what is good and less, but the openness and freedom it conveys is unparalleled.
What I particularly love is that the historical cultural references can come from anywhere. From classic black-figure amphoras ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery_of_ancient_Greece) from Greece to Venus figurines ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_figurines) from Eurasia and Siberia.
From Jomon ceramics ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C5%8Dmon_pottery) from Japan to funnel beaker pottery from Drenthe.
It's all "our ceramics history". Modern technology enables us to conjure up this visual treasure trove of more than 10,000 years of pottery. From the latest archaeological finds to the most modern contemporary ceramics from every corner of our planet.
The cultural impact is huge. No longer trapped in the culture of a geographical location. More and more ceramists can scroll like a digital nomad to the culture mix that appeals to them.
No longer dependent on the local level of knowledge, but on research in all corners of the internet. Through the "Youtube academy" or a digital training of a renowned academic ceramics (materials) teacher, anything is possible.
To a new standard... to paraphrase Bernard Leach. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Leach)
Fighting the storm
This storm of unprecedented possibilities also has its downside. Conspiracy theories, populism, outdated customs and rituals go hand in hand. The haters who do not want to see the richness of our world culture, but shortsightedly supposed self-interest.
The hateful anachronists who spread today's nonsense. This storm must be fought.
“And it's okay to think that someone who believes,
voluntarily deprived himself of sense.
There may be bosses, but no servants,
But why would you fight?” –
“And it's okay to think that someone who believes,
voluntarily deprived himself of sense.
There may be bosses, but no servants,
But why would you fight?” –
“Het Goede Doel - Vechten (1982); Translated Dutch pop group song” –
Not by fighting against this stupid bickering, but for a new open culture. Modern customs and rituals have to be fought for. Inclusive traditions open to discussion and change. Of course I like to commit myself to the new ceramics tradition...
What is my ceramics tradition?
But what is actually my contribution to this modern ceramics tradition? That's a question I often ask myself. I find that difficult to answer. I'm just as interested in the technical side of ceramics and glazes as the hugely rich history.
Twenty-five years ago "A potters Book" (1940), by Bernard Leach, ( https://partner.bol.com/click/click?p=2&t=url&s=47421&f=TXL&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bol.com%2Fnl%2Ff%2Fa-potter-s-book%2F39072804%2F&name=A%20Potter's%20Book%2C%20Bernard%20Leach&subid=KERAMIEK%20TRADITIE) was my introduction to the ceramics tradition ("towards a standard").
I've learned a lot about ceramics traditions over the years. You can find it everywhere in the most unexpected places. At dolments in Drenthe, La Borne in France, the potteries in England, but also in the museum ( https://www.purmerendsmuseum.nl/ ) in my hometown Purmerend.
I read about it, but if possible I also visit it. Digital viewing is great, but snooping around the museum on the spot is much more fun.
There is an infinite amount to see, learn, feel and smell. What I have learned (so far) is that the culture of humanity is infinitely fascinating and open to all of us to learn about it. It is our shared heritage we should celebrate.
I feel as much connection with the makers of funnel-band pottery as the Chinese Sung stoneware (favourite of Bernard Leach).
Ah, ah, ah, ah, Stayin' Alive!
I make ceramics that I think should be made. Figurative sculptures with references to historical examples. Recently I also sell pottery. Mugs, cups and small bowls. New in my webshop, but not new in our ceramics history.
Although of course they are slightly different from all its predecessors...
In short, the story of handmade ceramics still has a place in our contemporary global culture. And given the popularity of this craft on Instagram, for example, I'm not the only one who thinks so.
In short, the story of handmade ceramics still has a place in our contemporary global culture. And given the popularity of this craft on Instagram, for example, I'm not the only one who thinks so.
And that's good news! The modern ceramics tradition in all its forms is very much alive.
My beloved author and ceramist Robin Hopper had a simple motto in his book "survival tactics for the visual artist" ( https://amzn.to/34BS1k2 ). He borrowed it from the Bee Gees and it is as far as I'm concerned the motto for the entire new handmade ceramics tradition:
ah,ah,ah,ah, Stayin' Alive, Stayin' Alive! ()
This thread can be read here: https://www.dfb-keramiek.nl/2020/10/fighting-for-a-modern-ceramics-tradition/?lang=en
