Master Shaolin came into the studio to demonstrate throwing. After throwing a few of his own forms (unsure of the origin of these forms - are they his own or are they traditional Chinese forms?) we were able to draw some of our own shapes and Master Shaolin would throw them. I picked a bottle shape and Master Shaolin threw the form exactly as how I’d drawn it. After a certain period of time, I became disinterested watching Master Shaolin throw. While I do find his skill impressive, I believe with enough training and practice, mostly everyone can acquire the technical skill needed to throw forms.
Again, I’m confused at the line drawn between artist and craftsperson. It’s hard to pick out the bits of fact from all the opposing information that’s being told to me. I’m also interested in the the Chinese ceramics pay sale. What is Master Shaolin being paid? How much money did he invest in the education? Do students at JCI even attain the “master” status and what would they do after they have that status? Is JCI producing students that are artists or craftspeople? If they are artists, does China have the economic demand for so many ceramic artists that are so specialized in each area? I’m still unsure of how Chinese ceramic artists claim ownership of their artworks, especially functional works.
In the United States, artists have to learn how to do the entire process themselves, from the wedging (and often even mixing the clay) to unloading the kiln and marketing their works. Meghan was telling me about how she makes her own molds for an installation piece she’s doing but in Jingdezhen, mold making is a specialized profession.
In the afternoon, I tried out the eastern style wheel. I liked the control I had when my entire body was over the wheel but it was hard to see the shape that I was making.
Again, I’m confused at the line drawn between artist and craftsperson. It’s hard to pick out the bits of fact from all the opposing information that’s being told to me. I’m also interested in the the Chinese ceramics pay sale. What is Master Shaolin being paid? How much money did he invest in the education? Do students at JCI even attain the “master” status and what would they do after they have that status? Is JCI producing students that are artists or craftspeople? If they are artists, does China have the economic demand for so many ceramic artists that are so specialized in each area? I’m still unsure of how Chinese ceramic artists claim ownership of their artworks, especially functional works.
In the United States, artists have to learn how to do the entire process themselves, from the wedging (and often even mixing the clay) to unloading the kiln and marketing their works. Meghan was telling me about how she makes her own molds for an installation piece she’s doing but in Jingdezhen, mold making is a specialized profession.
In the afternoon, I tried out the eastern style wheel. I liked the control I had when my entire body was over the wheel but it was hard to see the shape that I was making.
Some pots after being thorn
My sketch for Master Shaolin
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