I would like to thank the City of Seto for inviting
me as artist in residence within the Seto International
Ceramic and Glass Art Exchange program.
I am very happy to have worked in this city with
its rich tradition of ceramics and that is famous
world wide for its ceramic products.
The strength and presence of ceramicists who operate
in this area are a testament to the continuity
of this important field of work.
During the residency I have produced a series
of large-scale sculptural forms utilising the
local clays and glazes that have differing material
properties and hence required diverse firing
schedules. Throughout this period I have had
the opportunity to experiment with my artistic
intentions informed by the context of many years
involvement in ceramic art practice. I have
also undertaken extensive empirical research
into glaze technology and compositions to create
aesthetically appropriate aspects for my sculptures.
My activity and operation within the studio
is in contrast to the younger ceramicists in
the studio who are used to their own particular
modes of practice, and are in the process of
learning their craft. As Artist in Residence
I thought that this was an important aspect
of the program where an artist is invited to
demonstrate and exchange information with those
undertaking their training, and to enrich their
technical and creative development.
This exchange of sophisticated knowledge is
borne out as a consequence of years of research
and practice in different cultural regions across
the globe.
I have also had the opportunity of scrutinising
and regarding another quite diverse culture
that continues to revere its hand made ceramic
products, makers and traditions. This is particularly
found in the use everyday functional tableware
in Japan that to a degree have disappeared in
Italy and been replaced as a consequence of
industrially produced ceramic wares.
I wish to particularly thank all the administrative
staff that have organised this AIR program,
and also the studio staff who with professional
disposition concurrently conduct their own work
and research whilst partaking in this intensive
studio experience.
Thankyou
Adriano Leverone
February 2008
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