~ POTTERS an COLUMBIA a CRISTALLS 2013 By Holly McKeen An international, all-crystalline event in La Bisbal, Spain This spring, I was invited to attend Cristalls 2013 near Barcelona, Spain, as a guest presenter and exhibitor. The event took place over five days at the Escola de Ceramica de La Bisbal — a wonderful facility in this pottery community where generations of Spain’s best potters have lived and worked. Organized by Jose and Maite Mariscal (see https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Josep-Maria-Mariscal-Ceramicas- Mariscal/187000041405265 on Facebook) this event brought together crystalline potters from Australia, Brazil, Canada and the U.S., Taiwan, Russia, Israel, England and many countries across Europe. It was such fun to share sangria in so many languages and with so many cultures. As one of two Canadian presenters, I spoke of the processes employed in my crystalline work, with a slideshow of recent pieces as well as sharing ideas on marketing for the ceramic artist. Presenting with a Spanish interpreter was a Our talented new experience. Jose Mariscal—fourth generation potter with magic in his fingers. interpreter, Antonio Vivas, was from the magazine Revista Internacional De Cerdmica, the Spanish equivalent of Ceramics Monthly. www.geeenbarn.com 9548 192 Street, Surrey, B.C. VAN 3R9 Phone: 604.888.3411 Fax: 604.888.4247 een Darn POTTERS SUPPLY LTD. Tuesday-Friday 9-5 Saturday 9-1 Closed Long Weekends greenbam@telus.net He was completely fluent in many languages, and also brought us copies of back issues of his magazines to see. It was a kick to find some of my pieces from recent North American exhibits had been published in Spain. He also was one of the judges for the exhibit at the local museum/castle that we had been invited to enter. Two large and striking pieces by Jorg Baumoller of Barcelona won the 1,000 Euro first prize. It was a lovely exhibit, and opening evening, and I was very proud to have two of my favourite smaller pieces represented. Through the week, there were demos, discussions and presentations from a number of different perspectives on achieving difficult and unique crystalline surfaces. Jose could not have been more generous with sample bottles in many different glazes, with recipes and firing schedules for all to consider— later given as gifts to take home. Watching him throw was like nothing I've seen—he truly has magic in his hands. I travelled with good friend and fellow presenter, Ginny Conrow, of Seattle. We were given a wonderful bungalow in the ancient hilltop village of Vulpellac, the guest house of the owner of a local gallery. During the week, we were treated to a tour of the local Teracotta Museum, a factory dating to 1928, where 12 wheels sat side by side, all run from a single belt that spanned the length of the cool brick room. So different from the wonderful studio space I enjoy! How hard they must have worked in such a severe setting — and from a very young age, too. The collection of old pots was breathtaking. On the last day of our conference, Maite arranged a throwing contest in the village square and the whole town came out to cheer on the locals — many who were 4th generation potters — like Jose. Tall cylinders, 20 |b. bowls, and multiples of vases were thrown from the hump. We all roared as we cheered on our country’s representatives (no I did not sit down at one of the five wheels! I was on vacation.) The Spanish potters led the contest and were such characters—throwing with speed and precision; all the while, a cigarette dangling from the lip. Continued on Page 7 Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - December/January 2013/14 6