Vancouver, B.C, V6H 3R7
(604) 683-9623

Potters Guild of British Columbia

1359 Cartwright St., Granville Island

NEWSLETTER

JUNE 1989

ISSN 6319 812xX

MORE THAN 200 PEOPLE BRAVE
SUNNY SKIES AND A DELICIOUSLY
WARM DAY TO ATTEND THE MALAS-
PINA COLLEGE CERAMICS SEMINAR

Nanaimo, April 29, 1989

This must have seemed a minor miracle to John
Charnetski and his band of student volunteers, be-
cause little interest, initially, had been shown. The
idea, however, of potters getting together to discuss
problems and to reaffinm their dedication to clay took
over and the carnpus hummed with activity,

| think we too rarely get together to talk and share
experience, and are lefl too much to our own devices
and unsolved questions. The seminar 1s really useful
and next year's is already set. Ifyou have suggestions
on improving it. send them along to John at Malas-
pina,

It allows potters to swap stories that become part of
our collective history. My favourite was the ane in
which Geoff Searle was phoned at his Fraser Valley
home late one evening, and asked if he had a large
raku pot that the Federal government, through the
Office of the Governor-General, Madame Sauvé, might
get? They needed it as a gift for the widow of the
Emperor of Japan. So, as 1 remember the story, Geoff
had one, and it went into Vancouver that night, to be
taken to Tokyo the next day,

So, I say to myself, “That's not a bad place to send a
pot. Good for Geoff. The piece will probably be taken
care of,”

Then there was the story of Madame Sauvé attempting
to purchase a Don Hutchinson slip-trailed plate, but
it hadn't a price tag on tt at the Gallery of B.C.
Ceramics. The lady has a good cye and is perhaps
unaware of the boost she gives to us all when she visits
B.C. and buys pots,

John Chametsk1 is possibly unaware too of how much
positive energy is unleashed because of the work he
does in putting together the Malaspina conference. |
hope not!

Bob Kingsmill

FUJIWARA WORESHOP

Your calls and note responses have been coming in
thick and fast. At this point, there are over 40 people
who have indicated their interest and intent to attend
the June 12th and 13th workshop with Yu Fujiwara,
the Bizen master, at Emily Carr College of Art and
Design. Itis possible that there may not be room in the
studio for any further interested people. Not all of you
have indicated, however, whether you intend to come
to the gathering at the home of Jean Fahrni after the
workshop on Tuesday the 13th, 4:30pm to 7:30 pm.

If you are unable to attend the workshop, you are still
welcome to come to Jean's home, so call the Guild
office if you'd like to do so, In any case, I'm calling on
you to Jet me know if you can help to organize the meal
preparations and to prepare food (4 la potluck, but we
need to know numbers and what you're bringing). We
plan to have BBQ salmon, salad, etc, and dessert. If
you are unable to bring any salad or dessert, we will
ask for a $ contribution towards the salmon, wine and
other associated costs.

This ts our contribution towards Mr. Fujiwara's visit;
the Japanese Consulate is bringing him here as part
of their centenary festivities and has asked that the
workshop be offered at no cost to us, but that we
should host him at a Guild event at the time of the
workshop. Keep your fingers crossed for good
weather!

Jan Kidnie