4 bc potters

CUILD March 2005 Volume 41 No. 3

of BRITISH

COLUMBIA Vincent Massey And His Apprentices
Ts I often get asked by potential potters which direction they should pursue for an education in
NEWSLETTER ceramics. There are not too many options other than art school or an apprenticeship if a career

in ceramics is what they are after. I usually try and inquire more about their situation, goals,
ceramic background, artistic talent or financial background before I hand out advice.

After falling hopelessly for the sensual tactile beauty of clay in high school and a brief appren-
ticeship with Wayne Ngan I was fortunate enough to study ceramics at a prestigious art school
in Farnham, England. This art school training back in the late seventies was more about tradi-
tions than spawning artistic expression but none the less was an excellent way of nurturing my
inquisitive artistic mind.

After completing art school I was asked by Michael Cardew to come down to Cornwall and
help load and fire his massive wood fired kiln. Michael then asked me about an apprenticeship
with him and I told him I would give it some thought. While working there with his two other
apprentices and his son and grandson I could see that most of the work in his gallery was heavi-
ly influenced by Cardew. I had already developed my own English/Japanese style and to be
molded into another Cardew clone was not fitting into my long range plan although I still
regret the fact that I missed a great opportunity to absorb the Cardew philosophy.

I have been a potter for over 20 years now and have had well over a dozen different potters
come and work with me. Some have stayed over 3 years but usually just for the hectic fall
months leading up to my annual Christmas Show. This is not quite the 2-3 year apprenticeship
that is offered in England or Japan but still an intense education in a production potter's life of
mixing clay, making a huge range of slab and extruded pots, wheel thrown ware, packing, firing
and unpacking my 2 huge gas kilns, mixing glazes and slips and dealing with clients in my
gallery or filling orders for commercial clients and galleries.

Some of the potters who have studied with me
have had an art school background. I find it
eg beneficial to me to be able to bring this worldly
, influence of ideas to my established methods.

= Apprentices are encouraged to make their own
Ps work alongside my own and to establish their
& own unique style and are usually open to cri-

SS tique. Some have become established potters,
others teachers, mothers or artists in other
mediums. I get great pleasure in seeing past
apprentices blossoming into very talented artists
addicted to a creative lifestyle.

Vincent Massey

Photo courtesy Vincent Massey

Celebrating 50 Years: 1955 - 2005