It's on again....

the Eighth Triennial Gulgong Ceramics Conference

In 2010, hundreds of ceramic artists will again converge in the picturesque historic town of Gulgong. For five days this small clay-rich town, 290 km west of Sydney, will ignite into an epicentre for international ceramics.

Clay Energy is the theme for the 2010 conference. Energy in all its forms will be the focus of discussion and events. Whether artistic or physical, various types of energy are vital for producing ceramics. In Gulgong there’s an energy that keeps delegates returning year after year. It’s a buzz that stems from the cross-pollination of conversations about clay, glaze, inspirations, making and firing.

Dr Janet Mansfield, President of the International Academy of Ceramics (Geneva), has selected an exciting range of leading international ceramic artists in her role as Artistic Director of Clay Energy. Invited artists include Ken Yonetani and Louise Boscacci from Australia; various artists from Finland and Hungary; and Raku artists from the USA, UK and New Zealand. The artists will catalyse conference discussions by sharing information about their diverse range of ceramic practice.

Once again the historic Prince of Wales Opera House will be full to the brim with delegates attending artist lectures. These lectures are a chance to hear the ideas and experiences of the invited artists, accompanied by image presentations of their work. Questions and discussion complete these lively sessions, and Chester Nealie will return as Master of Ceremonies, firing up the action.

Clay Energy is also a chance to visit twice-daily demonstrations by the invited artists in their vibrant conference workshops. These close-up encounters with highly-accomplished ceramic artists create an enduring impression upon visitors. It’s intriguing to see first-hand how their well-known ceramic forms are created. New techniques are learnt, ideas exchanged and often lasting connections made.

During Clay Energy it’s impossible to walk through the winding streets of Gulgong without seeing ceramics on display in every corner. The historic goldmining town is saturated with a myriad of exhibitions and shopfront displays. Exhibition openings are regular events, and are packed to the rafters with delegates enjoying ceramics, wine and conversation. Ceramic Artists wishing to exhibit will need to book in early to secure one of the venues around Gulgong (see the website below).

Cudgegong Gallery will be a central hub at Clay Energy, with Gallery Director Lyn Cole overseeing conference coordination. The gallery, with its dedicated staff and state-of-the art contemporary exhibition space, has had an energising role in Gulgong since it opened in 2004. At Clay Energy it will host exhibitions and events, and its café is also an ideal spot for caffeine refuelling.

As always, the conference will end with a festive day outdoors at Janet Mansfield’s property Morning View, hand-building and firing wood-fuelled kilns. It is inspiring and energising to be able to spend a day amongst the outdoor galleries, library and kilns of this famous ceramics location.

Wednesday April 28th - Sunday May 2nd 2010