~ POTTERS an COLUMBIA a Blue and white semiotic, Continued from Page 4 sculptural elements, he “confects” landscapes and contemporary vignettes with meanings based on what he calls a “blue and white semiotic.” Originating with Chinese porcelain, the most widely produced and distributed object of world commerce before the Industrial Revolution, this semiotic migrated to Europe, where it became a standard for industrial transfer-printed tableware. Developments in computer graphics soft- ware and print technology revolutionized the process of applying images to ceramics. Scott appropriates found images and alters them digitally, generating screen-printed decals that incorporate cobalt pigmentsuspended ina print base. The screened images are subsequently applied to glazed surfaces and fired. Playing against the comforting hominess of industrial blue-and-white ceramics, he produces striking works of political and social commentary. Much of the original ware incorporates rural landscape imagery, which lures consumers into imagining romantic idylls far from the realities of contemporary life. Scott interrupts these bucolic images, erasing or altering sections with the inclusion of printed decals depicting low-flying jets, nuclear reactors or abject piles of animals slaughtered in the wake of foot and mouth disease. Recently he addressed the ironic situation in which European ceramic factories, whose production was based largely on prototypes originating in Asia, have lost ground to newer, more cost- effective factories in China, Vietnam and elsewhere. Scott points to the technology, craft and practical know-how that have disappeared along with the workers who once plied those industries. A poignant and powerful series uses fragments and partially printed factory blanks rescued from the now-closed Spode factory, which Scott embellishes with photo- based decals depicting the factory in its ruined state, Scott’s subversions operate through subtlety, “confecting” landscapes that confront us with our complacency in the face of environmental, economic and social loss. His lecture will trace a number of themes that resonate throughout his work, challenging us to consider the capacity of contemporary ceramics to convey significant truths. The lecture will take place on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m., Room 245, North Building, Emily Carr University, 1399 Johnston Street, Vancouver. We look forward to seeing you there. Cow Meadow, by Paul Scott. For more on Paul Scott, please see his website at www.cumbrianblues.com; his Gateshead blog at bttp://bit.ly/f{MRSDG or his Hanoi blog at http:/(bit.y/9090KT. Note: portions of this review derive from the author’ article “Paul Scotts Confected Landscapes and Contemporary Vignettes,” Ceramics Art and Perception 75 (2009): 51-56. www.geeenbarn.com 9548 192 Street, Surrey, B.C. VAN 3R9 Phone: 604.888.3411 Fax: 604.888.4247 ean Darn POTTERS SUPPLY LTD. Tuesday-Friday 9-5 Saturday 9-1 Closed Long Weekends greenbam@telus.net Potters Guild of BC Newsletter : October 2041