The week’s news in the ceramic art world – January 3, 2024

In the heart of the Baltics, a remarkable event unfolds every two years, bringing together the vibrancy of contemporary ceramics. The Latvia Ceramics Biennale, a prestigious platform celebrating the legacy of ceramicist Pēteris Martinsons, is more than just a ceramics competition. Last year, I had the honor of experiencing firsthand the complexity and scope of the 4th edition of the Biennale, as a member of the jury. Read on and explore the stories of the 4th Latvia Ceramics Biennale in Ceramics Now.

The Clay Studio (Philadelphia) invites US-based artists to apply to their Small Favors show by February 1, 2024. Conceived in 2006, Small Favors grew out of The Clay Studio’s efforts to offer accessible, high-quality artworks that appeal to art enthusiasts of all ages. Restricted to the confines of a four-inch cube, the artworks created for this exhibition are small in scale yet huge in impact.

Canadian artists are invited to submit their applications for the Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics until January 21, 2024. The winner of the award will receive $10,000. One runner-up will receive a prize of $5,000. Up to 3 finalists will also be selected, and each will receive a prize of $1,000. The winner, runner-up, and finalists will feature their work in a Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery group exhibition.

There are a few days left to apply for the International Ceramics Fair Oldenburg (Germany), Argillà Italia (Faenza, Italy), and the European Ceramics Festival Terralha (Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, France). You can find these events listed in the 2024 ceramics calendar.

Applications are also open for the C14 Paris 2024 show, which will be held during the first weekend of October in Paris. Participation fee: €350. Applications are due February 19, 2024.

The Ceramic Studio (UK) has recently unveiled its upcoming Guest Potter Workshops, set to take place in the Spring/Summer of 2024. The lineup includes 14 renowned potters, each bringing their own unique flair and expertise to the table. These workshops are a fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge, refine your techniques, and gain invaluable insights from some of the most distinguished ceramicists.

The Civitella Ranieri Foundation launched “Umbrian Ceramics: From Etruria through Novecento and Today.” A part of Civitella Ranieri’s Sojourns in Umbria program, the ten-day tour, led by ceramicist Robert Raphael, will lead participants on excursions to important sites in Umbria, Tuscany, and Emilia Romagna. The group will travel to museums, archeological sites, and contemporary workshops and enjoy homemade meals, fascinating lectures, and the beautiful regional landscape at the Castle in Umbertide.

Discover the mesmerizing world of Axel Salto and Edmund de Waal in Sanne Flyvbjerg’s article, ‘In Conversation with Clay‘. This feature captures the essence of Salto’s nature-inspired sculptures and de Waal’s porcelain pieces. Find out how they transform clay into expressions of growth, metamorphosis, and artistic dialogue.

Nikhil Purohit’s article, ‘Rubbing the Clay with Soot and Past,’ offers a captivating glimpse into the ceramic work of Neha Gawand Pullarwar, where Mumbai’s socio-political landscape merges with Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial heritage. Through insightful historical interpretations, Neha’s work reflects on the intertwined evolution of industry and society, celebrating artistic innovation and the enduring spirit of the working class.