"THE WESTERN POTTER" NO. 8. May, 1967.

EDITORIAL

The January '67 Editorial in the Canadian Guild of Potters' Newsletter
(see page 2.) touches on a number of interesting questions,

Why, the editorial begins, is there no serious criticism of pottery
exhibitions in this country? Perhaps it is because in the past there
have been few serious potters! Presently we appear to be moving
through a transition phase, a phase in which the former domain of the
dilettante is being invaded by seriously committed professional crafts-
men. The old order which rigidly equated clay with pots is changing.
The idea that clay is simply another art medium is taking hold.
Canadian Ceramics '67 shows a significant trend in this direction and

heralds a better understanding of what clay and pots should mean today.

Perhaps the critics will arrive now that the ground becomes more
fertile.

Toronto goes on to question the whole jury system of contemporary
exhibitions and suggests that shows by invitation would expose parti-
cipants to valuable criticism. It seems to us that invitation and jury
are similar in nature, for both systems infer pre-judgement; after all,
who, if not a jury, does the inviting? While neither system is ideal,
we feel that a jury constitutes the fairest method of selection and
allows the widest participation. However, it is worth considering a
change in the type of exhibition currently in vogue. Large shows
covering the whole field of ceramics are confusing. Intelligent
comparison and analysis is difficult. Why not establish small,
specialized dedactic exhibitions with serious critical coverage?
Specialization could take the form of single type (plates only for
instance) or pre-established bias (for instance, minimal use of glaze).
Greater educational impact than the present catch-all system could be
provided in this manner.

Editor

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