North Lands Creative Glass
2005 CONFERENCE: The Design Element
SATURDAY/SUNDAY
3/4 September
SATURDAY
9.30 Opening Remarks
9.45 The Increasing Impact of Technology and how it impacts on the boundaries between Design and Craft (Keynote speech)
Gordon Burnett, Reader in Craft at The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, is a distinguished craft practitioner of internation standing, perhaps best known for his inspirational clock designs. As an academic and formerly head of 3D Design at Grays School of Art, Aberdeen, he has undertaken research into innovative methodology enabling work across numerous disciplines. For Burnett the advent of computer aided design has altered the classical logic by which forms are signally informed by a mode of construction. In 2004 he was responsible for organising the much acclaimed 'Challenging Craft' conference held in Aberdeen.
10.45 Morning Coffee
11.15 A Partnership of Equals
Some of the most celebrated designers depend on the skills of anonymous glassmakers. Using Scandinavia as a model and making special reference to Finland, Jennifer Hawkins Opie will explore the interrelationship of craft skills and design.
Jennifer Hawkins Opie was Senior Curator and Head of the Ceramics and Glass Collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum. She played a key role in the creation of the Museum's new Contemporary Glass Gallery, which opened in December 2004. She is the author of numerous publications, including "Contemporary International Glass: 60 Artists in the V&A" (VAM, 2004) and "Scandinavia: Ceramics and Glass in the Twentieth Century" (V&A Publications, 1989).
12.00 Trapped by Skill (has creativity left the UK glass scene?)
Designer/maker Simon Moore* will take a critical look at the current state of blown glass design in the UK and offer his unique insights on innovation and the creative future. Over the last thirty years both industrial and studio blown glass in the UK have had a roller coaster press. Pundits continually voice concerns about the lack of imagination in what is being made and shown. Is this fair, or is it just evidence of the way things are?
1.0 Lunch
2.15 Unnatural Evolution - my work so far
Organic forms and highly textured surfaces combine in Angela Jarman's* cast glass work to hint at her interest in the darker side of biology and science. Jarman's presentation will be a discussion of her work, its' influences and inspirations.
2.45 Designed To Be Used
David Grant will tell the story of how an art student's dream of establishing a business concern in the Scottish Highlands became reality. The dream was to make tableware with the quality of studio pottery. Using industrial techniques to achieve this goal, Grant's Highland Stoneware company became a success story with an international reputation for quality and innovation.
Highland Stoneware, set up by David Grant with David Queensberry and Graham Clarke at the Royal College of Art in 1974, combines the sensibilities of the artist/designer with the economic stability obtained from selected factory practices. It has been producing ceramics in Lochinver & Ullapool for 30 years.
3.30 Tea & visit to the 18th century Whaligoe Steps
7.30 Conference Party
SUNDAY
9.30 The Object as Image
Objects are often seen and become known today through the filter of skilful product or studio photography. Often the image assumes the role of an alter ego becoming as familiar, if not more so, than the actual object itself. In his presentation Stewart Drew will discuss photography of the designed object, primarily in glass, and how objects can be manipulated and given a new persona by the way they are photographed.
Stewart Drew is currently Professional Development Manager of the British Crafts Council with responsibility for their recently launched Photostore. He studied the History of Drawing and Printmaking at Camberwell School of Art and worked in the Picture Library of the Museum of London, which has a very strong 20th century applied art collection. He also co-coordinated the photography on the Museum of London publication on Whitefriars Glass.
10.15 Morning Coffee and Demonstration in the Hot Shop.
11.30 Design = Craft + Digital Technologies?
In his presentation Gilbert Riedelbauch will look at new technologies and their effect on professional practice through the eyes of a maker/teacher. He will focus on the developing use of Computer Aided Design and Rapid Prototyping technologies in both craft production and teaching, highlighting the challenging opportunities these technologies bring both to craft practice and applied arts education.
Riedelbauch's own path, has led him, after an apprenticeship as a toolmaker in the metal industry, to a degree in silversmithing from the Academy of Fine Art in Nuernberg, Germany, to teaching students 3D computer modelling at the Canberra School of Art in Australia. These stepping-stones have given him an understanding of industrial production, individual craft practice and teaching/learning methodologies. All three areas have an ongoing effect on his life as a practicing designer, maker and teacher.
12.15 TechNo Craft
In her presentation Susan Cohn* will roam through street culture, Rolex watches, virtual reality, doughnuts, sampling, French silk underwear, jewellery, Brian Eno, ownership, love songs, uncool craft and other critical concerns for today's designer/maker.
1.15 Lunch
2.45 Art & Industry: A Personal Balance
Peter Aldridge* will discuss his 25-year career as an artist working with industry, his unique role at Steuben Glass and Corning Incorporated, from Artist-in-Residence to Vice President and Creative Director, and how glass has provided not only the common ground but also the catalyst for innovation between two seemingly disparate viewpoints.
3.45 Take Another Look
Moderated by Tina Oldknow, Curator of Modern Glass at the Corning Museum of Glass, this panel discussion provides conference participants with the opportunity to consider, discuss, and re-examine questions and issues raised in the conference presentations. The panel will be made up of conference speakers who will address questions formulated by the moderator. Conference participants will also be invited to put questions to the panel.
4.30 Concluding Remarks
*Please see Masterclass information for biographical details
The Conference is sponsored in part by the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning USA.
Enquiries
North Lands Creative Glass
Quatre Bras, Lybster
Caithness, KW3 6BN
SCOTLAND
Accommodation, bookings and general information:
Lorna MacMillan: Telephone and Fax: +44 (0)1593 721 229
e-mail: northlands@freeuk.com
Artistic and Technical Director:
e-mail: JBruce99ny@aol.com
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6 February 2005
