WE GET LETTERS
(EDITORIAL)

It's been an interesting summer of work,
visiting. and contemplating the state of the
world. A couple of letters have come this
way, both of which can’t be totally
reproduced, but which raise issues that are
timely.

Eileen Lewenstein of the Craft Potters
Association in Britain, and co-editor of their
Ceramic Review magazine, visited
Vancouver and the Guild and Gallery in
June, and sent us a note on her return. She
writes, “Ournegotiations are still continuing
and we hope for pood news, but it is difficult
waiting. Somedays sales are wonderful and
on others they are not, and none af us can
understand why, ftdoesnt seem to be good
or bad weather or any grea! political event,
Often goed days are because one visitor will
spend 2 ar 3 rousand pownds, Our problem
is thet we do not attract enough suck people!

It was good meeting you all, Do please
make contact if you come over to the UK.
(This applies to all your members).”

The negotiations she refers to are about the
viable lease of a Gallery/Shop space in
London. Sales have been down for them
too, and they are having to look for alternate
or cheaper space,

A lengthy, two-part letter (impossible to
edit in toto for publication) from Keith
Receveur of Gibson's Landing is addressed
1 all the members of the Potters’ Guild of
B.C, Init, he questions everything from our
dependency as workers in clay on prepared
clay products: “/ nemmaged through an old
issue of the Western Potter recently for
inspiration, and am still energized with the
expert and informative articles from back
then, regarding local soluttans to technical
proileny thet face ws in an overly technical
society. The reversal in attitudes towards
clay since the 70's is what astounds me
mogt”, to the apparent lack of support or
action on the partof this Guild to see to it that
pottery as a profession is recognized and
given validity: "The technical skills, physical
abilities, innovative mechanical creations,
and strength of character thar it takes to
perform the processes of clay, and the
economics of making a living with clay and

September, 1993

kiln set potters aside and unique from all other professions which sport qualified degrees."
He also worries about the non-polter membership on the Board of Directors of the Guild.
P'dlike to assure Keith that it is perhaps with the assistance of sompef {here are [WO at present)
understanding non-potter Board members that we will be able to successfully make more
valid our existence as potters. Heaven knows we need all the help we cam get: to make the
Gallery a place for people to learn more about clay and its potential in their lives, as well
as financially viable on its own; and to keep the Guild on track as an organization whose
purpose is to provide valuable information to the public as well as its membership about all
things “ceramic”.

Of related interest, the Alberta Potters’ Association have recently gone through a soul-
searching, with Board members attending a Board Development worksbop this past winter.
In their June newsletter, they presented a mission and other statements prepared at the
workshop which should serve them well.

In answer to the question, “Why are we doing this?”’, their belief statement is “The APA
believes in the worth of ceramic arts.”

To “What are we doing?”, “The APA wishes to preserve the past, nurture the present,
and grow into the future.”

The target statement, answering the question “Who are we doing it for and with?", is “The
APA serves the clay community. The APA wishes to ensure an Alberta-made ceramic
piece in every home.”

Finally, to answer the question “How will we do it?", their Gaal Statement reads," The APA
aspires to be:

(1) The collective voice of the Alberta clay community

(2) to represent the clay community to all levels of government and the general public,
(3) to communicate with related organizations, and

(4) to promote ceramic excellence.

In the President John Robertson's accompanying message, be also states that “Potters need
to be paid a fair price for their time and skill. The bottom line for ceramists is to sell their
pieces at fair prices.”

I would like to think (and do) that the Board of this organization would not disagree with
the Alberta organization's position, I hope this will answer some of Keith's queries and
perhaps yours.

Keith, [have a “good castable recipe” for you!

Jan Kidnie, Newsletter Editor

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