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World’s top scholars speak in Sunderland
Released: Thursday 15th March 2012 at 10:16
Two of the world’s most renowned glass artists have spoken about their work to students at the University of Sunderland.
Fulbright Scholars Tim Tate and Michael Janis gave a talk and met staff and students at the university’s National Glass Centre this week. The Fulbright Scholarship, founded in 1946, aims to promote cultural understanding through educational exchange. Both artists travelled from Washington DC to work with the Sunderland Creative Cohesion Group, the University of Sunderland and the wider community, to share their glass and ceramics practice and art work.
Michael Janis specialises in layering glass and using glass powder to create pictures, while Tim Tate blends the traditional craft of glass making with new media technology. Both work closely with artists in Washington DC to create public sculpture using the latest glass and ceramics advances.
Professor Kevin Petrie, Glass and Ceramics Team Leader at the university, says: “This is one of several recent visits by distinguished artists and scholars from around the world to the National Glass Centre, reflecting our international status in the fields of creative Glass and Ceramics.
“Tim and Michael offer our students, local schools and representatives from the region’s cultural sector important insights into methods for making glass art, perspectives on the art world in the USA and the work of the Washington Glass Studio where they are co-directors.”
The Washington Glass Studio is focused on providing public art projects and private commissions incorporating glass as a sculptural element, through collaboration with artists working in different media in the US capital.
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious awards programs worldwide, operating in over 155 countries. Forty-three Fulbright Scholars have won Nobel Prizes, and seventy-eight have won Pulitzer Prizes. More Nobel laureates are former Fulbright recipients than any other award program.
Fulbright Travelers Check In
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University of Sunderland poster for the visiting Fulbright Scholars.
Tim Tate and I have been powering through our stay here at the University of Sunderland in the beautiful northeast of England. This is a blog update of some of the adventure we have participated in whilst on our Fulbright Scholarship to the UK.
The University of Sunderland Glass Centre and the glass roof deck.
Kevin Petrie, Head of the Glass & Ceramics Department
We arrived on Thursday, met at the airport by the University’s head of the Glass and Ceramics Department, Kevin Petrie. Kevin took us on a whirlwind tour of the massive building complex. The centre, built in 1998, has a glass panel roof – where one is invited to walk across and watch the blowing facilities down below.
Tim Tate takes a walk on the glass.
The size, equipment and state-of-the-art facility was overwhelming. It was great to see some old friends that had come to DC in years past waving a welcoming hello from across the acreage of studio space. We would be coming back to the University after a couple workshops in town.
Some of the many huge kilns at the university.
The beach in front of the hotel in Seaburn.
Our hotel could not have been better – sweeping views across the North Sea, with Seaburn beach in front of our hotel. Nice.
Creative Cohesion’s new studio and exhibition center in Sunderland.
The arts organization, Creative Cohesion, held a cocktail reception to welcome us and inaugurate the new hotshop at their new facility in Sunderland city centre . For those of you from DC, you might remember the organization and its many talented artists that participated in the 2006′s Glass 3 exhibit in Georgetown, organized by Artomatic. In 2009, many more artists from Sunderland participated in the Artomatic held near the Navy Yard/near the new Nationals Ballpark. The non-profit arts organization began over 10 years ago, initially designed as a way to help for glass artists coming from the university mature into professional artists. The success of the organization’s mission has expanded and now includes ceramic and visual arts, performance artists, and poets in its umbrella of services.
Our arrival coincided with the center’s celebration of the opening of their new hotshop – our workshop would be the first for the glass shop. Upon arrival – we see a familiar face – a poster of the UK artists working in Dave D’Orio’s DC Glasswork’s hotshop is in the window.
The artists from Sunderland listen with intent.
The big burly electrician Richie tries fusing for the first time. And shows real talent.
Roger Tye gets the glass into shape.
The next day, Tim Tate and I were welcomed at the University of Sunderland. We first gave a lecture about our work, the Washington Glass School & Studio and the Glass Secessionism movement.
Professor Tim Tate speaks about his work and influences.
Coming up soon – a posting or two about the workshops at the National Glass Center, touring around the area and the London Affordable Art Fair! Stay posted!
Amazing Penland/Asheville Art Tour
Hey There…
I wanted to take this time to tell you a bit about an upcoming art experience I have organized on behalf of the James Renwick Alliance. Over the years, my favorite and the most enjoyable trips I ever take is to Penland School of Crafts outside of Asheville North Carolina. This area of the country is dense with amazing artists. You may know my work, but you may not know what Penland and the artists in the Asheville area have meant to my career.
I first attended a class at Penland in 1989. It was a survey casting class…the only non-blowing class I could find anywhere in the country. Without hot glass facilities in the Washington region, I wanted to focus my skills towards a different aesthetic…one that I could work with while back at home. Thus began my lifelong relationship with this spectacular school and the generous artists who surrounded it. Here is a link to an article that goes into depth on why I have such a strong commitment to this area.
http://washingtonglass.blogspot.com/2012/01/compelled-by-tim-tate.html ;
A central focus of this trip will be attending Penland’s Annual Benefit Auction, the centerpiece of a gala weekend in the North Carolina Mountains featuring the sale of over 200 craft items. The Penland auction is one of the premier collecting events in the Southeast, and it is a wonderful opportunity to interact with fellow craft enthusiasts. Additionally, we will be visiting the studios of some of the most talented artists surrounding Asheville and the region. This will honestly be the best 5 day excursion you have ever taken…at least I’m gonna try to make it that way!. Here is the schedule of events:
Wednesday, August 8
We arrive in at the Inn at Little Switzerland on the Blue Ridge Parkway with spectacular views of the valley…a favorite spot for travelers in this area….either by plane or driving down, your choice. If you come by plane, you would come to Asheville, where we will arrange pick up. Our plan is to share the cars that come down, and caravan to each location. Close to both Asheville and Penland, this will be our base. Our first event will be a Wednesday evening welcome dinner and cocktails at the Inn.
Inn at Little Switzerland
Thursday, August 9th
After a quick bite at the Inn, we leave at 8:30 and head out to see the sites of Asheville and to some amazing artists studios for private tours. Most of these studios are in the surrounding area, but we will end up in the heart of the city. Here is a list of those studios:
Michael Sherrill
Ceramist Michael Sherrill received a visual arts fellowship from the North Carolina Arts Council in 1992. His work is in several major collections, including the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, North Carolina and the Renwick Museum. He has been making pots for more than twenty years. Originally, his work was completely functional, but it has evolved into work that is now wholly sculptural. He is one of the most thoughtful and articulate sculptors of our time.
Michael Sherrill
Stoney Lamar
Lamar received his BS degree in industrial arts (wood technology) from Appalachian State University. A friend’s borrowed lathe led him away from his original goal to design and build furniture, however, to sculptural woodturning. He apprenticed with Mark and Melvin Lindquist and the year’s experience there freed him from many self-imposed restrictions and limitations of traditional lathe approaches. It opened new avenues and processes for the expression of his aesthetic.
His work is in such collections as High Museum of Art (Atlanta), American Craft Museum (NY), Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Institute, Yale University Gallery of Art, Mint Museum of Craft & Design (NC), Minneapolis Institute of Art, Wustum Museum of Fine Arts and the Detroit Institute of Art.
Lunch that day will be at Stoneys restaurant just outside Asheville.
Stoney Lamar
Hoss Haley
Hoss Haley has worked in metal for over twenty years, creating sculpture, paintings, and public art. Hoss’s work is in several collections including Lowes Corporation, McColl Center for Visual Art, and the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, and he is represented by the New Gallery of Modern Art in Charlotte, NC. Hoss has been a resident artist at Penland School of Crafts and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center.
Hoss Hailey
Dan Essig
Frequently thought of as the pre-eminent book art maker in this country, you will not find any of Daniel Essig’s books on the shelves of a library. These wordless works of art are sewn, woven and carved into magnificent artists’ books and sculptures. Formerly a photographer, Essig is inspired by found objects that he comes across every day. A self-described hoarder, he will incorporate these items—fossils, shells, coins and old nails—into his artwork. His studio is located next to the Grove Point Inn, where we will peak in for a quick look at their amazing Stickley Collection.
Dan Essig
Blue Spiral Gallery
No trip to Asheville would be complete without a visit to the famous Blue Spiral Gallery. This amazing gallery presents work by exceptional Southern artists and object makers in a beautifully renovated building in the heart of downtown Asheville. The light-filled, 15,000 square-foot gallery spans three floors connected by an open stairway. This spacious setting allows Blue Spiral 1 to offer considerable diversity, affording accessibility to various tastes and aesthetics.
Blue Spiral Gallery
Now, on to dinner! We are planning our meal at the spectacular Posana Restaurant in the center of Asheville. Then back to the Inn at Little Switzerland.
Posana Restaurant
Friday, August 10th
Today we will stay closer to Penland, exploring several studios and then joining in the festivities surrounding the Penland auction, which begin at 3pm with auction previews.
Christina Cordova/Pablo DeSato
This husband and wife team have their amazing studios on the grounds of Penland itself, and are 2 of the most widely known artists on this tour.
De Soto Glass Design was formed around the idea of creating and designing objects that enhance living spaces and environments. As a company we make a wide variety of work. A large portion of what we do revolves around glass blown vessels and functionally oriented works. Lighting design is quickly becoming an influential part of the sum. We also use our facilities and skills for creating glass blown objects for other designers and artists.
Cristina Cordova is a studio artist living in Penland,NC. Originally from Puerto Rico, she received her BA from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez and went to earn her MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. In 2005 she concluded a three year residency at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. She was the recipient of an American Craft Council Emerging Artist Grant as well as a North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship Award.
Christina Cordova
Pablo Sato
Lunch this day will be on grounds at the Penland Dining Hall.
Penland Gallery
No trip to Penland would ever be complete without a visit to the Penland Gallery. The Penland Gallery–featuring work by artists affiliated with Penland School of Crafts–is a stop worth adding to your trip through Western North Carolina. It is the perfect place to choose a gift, add to your craft collection, or learn about contemporary craft. You will see such artists as Marc Petrovic, Marc Peisser and yours truly, Tim Tate.
Marc Petrovic
Now its on to the auction. It begins at 3pm with the silent auction in the new state of the art facilities in the Print/Letterpress Studio. Dozens of Penland’s artists will be showing there. Then on to a lovely dinner and wine under the beautiful tent overlooking the valley on Penland’s grounds while the main Friday night auction goes on. After this, its back for a quick cocktail at the Inn at Little Switzerland.
Auction Tent under the Penland Sky
Saturday, August 11th
The morning begins with coffee and breakfast at The Barns at Penland, where we will be treated to a show by the resident artists here at Penland. Always a highlight and much fun. from the we attend a show given by the Core Students where we will see the work of tomorrows most promising artists. On to the Saturday silent auction and artist chats….then on to the main festivities of the luncheon and live auction. This will definitely be the highlight of the weekend!
Resident Artist Barns at Penland
2 major works will be the big spotlight! One by Beth Lipman, one by Dan Clayman….both stunning!
Beth Lipman
Dan Clayman
After the auction we will head back to the Inn at Little Switzerland, where we will have time to freshen up before a lovely farewell cocktail and dinner party where you will be able to swap stories with the new friends you made on this spectacular trip!
Sunday, August 11th
travel day…..those that need a ride to the airport, we will arrange it.
Please give me this opportunity to show you why I hold this area of the country in such high esteem. I guarantee it will be a stupendous trip.
To reserve a space for this trip, its first come and space is limited. Contact Cecie at the James Renwick Alliance at admin@jra.org or call to 301- 907-3888
Tim Tate
Co-Director
Washington Glass School
3700 Otis St.
Mt. Rainier, Md. 20712
WashGlass.com
New Video Work From Tim Tate
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Newest Video Project
I was recently advised by a spectacular gallery that while they loved the video reliquary pieces, I should consider doing important work. No offense was meant, and in response I have decided to take that advice to heart with this next project. Important or not…it is a show without constrictions. I did that by separating glass and video for this project. My fascination with miniaturizing still worked for the glass part of my brain…..but the video part of my brain had to abandon glass temporarily. It was the scale of glass that held me back.
In the summer of 2013 I will be presenting an all video exhibit at Washington, DC’s American University’s Katzen Art Center. In one of the rooms I will be presenting an updated version of my video installation “The Waking Dreams Of Magdelena Moliere”. Magdelena is a fictitious character whom you get to know and understand thru her dreams. You enter her world by passing through the portals of shadow and light. These are the pieces I have been working on these last several months.
The portals of shadow and light flank each side of the entrance to Magdelena’s room. They consist of 2 vertical flat video screens with ornate regency frames, one painted a satin black, the other a soft cream. Each is approximately 3 ft by 4ft.
Inside the cream colored Portal Of Light I have a video of slowly roiling clouds surrounded by soft blue electricity. Into this scene drops 3 plumb bobs at different speeds and heights continually unwinding from above , chaotic at first, then finding balance and ascending again.
Inside the satin black Portal Of Shadow I have a video of roiling smoke surrounded by small slow flames. Inside that an image of a glass vase floats up from the bottom and smashes against the top of the video screen into many pieces, which slowly reassemble and descend again to darkness.
If the videos do not work below in this posting, they can be seen on my facebook page under videos.
I find these portals extremely compelling. They have the look and feel of a Victorian painting, while incorporating new media to depict the narrative inherent in the video portals. I plan on investigating this format many times over the next few years.
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London’s Calling (Tim Tate & Michael Janis)
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Bon Voyage Guys!
For those of you in the land of John Bull, here are the dates and location of the show in London’s Battersea area:
London Affordable Art Fair
Cohesion Glass Network Booth
Battersea Park
London
SW11 4NJ
15 -18 March 2012
Welding Class Just Added!
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To keep up with the demand – we have just added another welding class to the schedule:
Class 1203-B – Beginning MIG Welding
Ever wondered about learning to weld? Want to impress your friends, your older brother and that cute bartender? It’s easier than you think! In three evenings you will learn how to lay a bead, and handle all sorts of sharp and dangerous tools. You will be able to complete a small project and leave with lots of ideas and know-how for other projects. This class will teach you the basics of welding, metal work and design, joining, bending and finishing. And you will get dirty!
Instructor : Erwin Timmers
Dates : Wednesday evenings in May (2, 9, 16)
Time : 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Tuition : $325 per student
This class does not have a paypal button…..contact Erwin directly at 202-744-8222 to register, or email to: washglassschool@aol.com
Erwin Timmers: The Art of Recycling
>Erwin Timmers’ artwork and sculpture using recycled and components diverted from the waste stream had caught the eye of a photojournalist, and his work so intrigued her that she made a short documentary about Erwin’s work and philosophy. Below is a link to the video made by Uliana Bazar:
The Art of Recycling With Erwin Timmers from uliana bazar on Vimeo.
Uliana Bazar is currently working on a Masters in New Media Photojournalism at the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, DC.
"The New Materiality" Goes to Little Rock
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The New Materiality: Digital Dialogues at the Boundaries of Contemporary Craft is an exhibition that Fo Wilson had curated originally for the Fuller Craft Museum in Massachusetts in 2010. It has started a national tour and was on view at the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Asheville Museum in North Carolina. This April it will also travel to the Arkansas Art Center, opening April 13, 2012.
The exhibition examines the work of sixteen established and emerging makers working in traditional craft disciplines who are treading compelling territory between traditional mediums and emergent technologies.
The Arkansas Arts Center features nine galleries as well as classrooms and a theater. The permanent collection includes American and European paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the 16th century to the present times.
A children’s theater and decorative arts museum is also part of the center. As home to famous Renaissance and Impressionist paintings as well as modern drawings and sculptures, the Arts Center has devoted over thirty years to build a unique collection of American and European works.
Tim Tate American (Washington, D.C., 1966 – )
Personal Installation: My Heart is Unbreakable, 2007
glass, video, mixed media
Arkansas Arts Center Foundation Collection: Purchase, Tabriz Fund. 2007.048
501 East 9th Street, Little Rock, AR 72202
April 13 – August 5, 2012
click HERE to jump to Arkansas Arts Center website.
Science of Art Laboratory (SOFAlab) at The Glass School
Erwin Timmers, Dr Caroline Wellberry and the students working on the SOFAlab collaborative art project.
photo by Elmo Thamm
Medical waste and its impact on climate change was the connective theme of the collaborative work. Using glass diverted from the waste stream, the Georgetown University students and Residents from the Fort Lincoln Clinic worked with Dr. Caroline Wellberry and Erwin Timmers this past weekend. The resulting glass and steel sculpture will be exhibited at Smith Center Gallery in May.
“Science of Art Laboratory” (SOFALab) was created to initiate the spark of communication and to look for commonalities that can bring out new understanding and develop new tools of interactions from both the sciences and arts with the aim that these interactions and findings can affect boarder intellectual and/or social changes.
The project is a collaborative effort from the Executive Director of Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, Shanti Norris; the Director of Printmaking at George Mason University, Helen Fredrick; and the Founder of Hamiltonian Artists and physics professor of George Mason University, Paul So. The SOFAlab is generously supported by the Center for Consciousness and Transformation from George Mason University.
The students listen as Erwin Timmers outlines the mold-making process.
photo by Elmo Thamm
Erwin Timmers and Helen Fredrick consult about the kiln-firing process.
Glass will be cast into the imagery that is formed in the kilns.
photo by Elmo Thamm
A Georgetown medical student gets to practice his surgical precision with moldmaking in the kiln. Just like the game of Operation, a steady hand is requisite.
Erwin Timmers has found the perfect element to cast into glass.
photo by Elmo ThammMore info to follow after the work is mounted and the show is all set in the Smith Farm Gallery – stay posted!