Reservezoo

Reservezoo
Thinking of travel.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Hi all the potters out there. Did you ever think of studying in China?

I consider myself very lucky in that I have had the opportunity to travel to China on four occasions.  When I go I stay at the Sanbao International Ceramic Art Institute, just ten kilometers from Jingdezhen the porcelain capital of the world.  

Even the lamp posts are made of porcelain


One of the great pleasures I have had every time I go is to meet with the West Virginia Ceramic Art Students who come to the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute to study and to expand their cultural experiences in China.   


One of the faculty buildings at the JCI



If you ever want to study art and to gain University credits this program is something to think about.

I have just received the latest info about the 2012 courses being offered.   I can tell you that this is a great experience at a great price with a great reward of University credits.   Have a read.

The West Virginia University gang building a pizza oven at Sanbao.


Mixing the cement for the pizza oven.
The oven worked.

Dear Colleagues, Students, and Ceramic Enthusiasts,

Through a unique linkage, the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, and West Virginia University have teamed to offer a comprehensive study opportunity for students and the serious advanced or professional ceramic artist/potter.
The Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute is considered to be China’s finest ceramics art and design school. We have teamed to offer a study and travel program in the Peoples Republic of China where students will have the opportunity to study with some of China’s most prominent teachers and ceramic artists.

Imperial Blue & White Porcelain Capital of Jingdezhen, Qin's Terra Cotta Army, Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the hustle and bustle of Shanghai.

Join us for a experience of a lifetime!

China’s roots in ceramic art history are strong and deep. For thousands of years, Chinese artisans have developed and mastered techniques and artistry that has set the standard of excellence in ceramics throughout the world.

High fired porcelains, underglaze and overglaze techniques, celadons, copper reds, temmoku, yaoware carving, ash glazes and tri-colored lead glazes are just a few of the contributions made by Chinese artisans over the centuries.

Summer Semester 2012
May 24 – June 30
(Dates prices may vary slightly)
6 Credits
Cost: 6-Credits/Tuition and fees: $5900*

This fee covers International airfare, in-country travel, all lodging, food (an exception being during the Beijing travel portion of the program), materials, and 6 graduate or undergraduate transferable credits from West Virginia University.


Fall Semester 2012
September 7 – December 14
(Dates and prices may vary slightly)
12 Credit Hours: Graduate or Undergraduate
Cost: 12 Credits/Tuition and fees $9,900*
6-Credits Studio Ceramics
3-Credits Chinese Ceramic Art History
3-Credits Basic Language and Culture
Participants will be expected to pay for tools not supplied by the program, brushes, personal acquisitions, and local travel outside of the program. Students may also be expected to purchase their own meals during the Beijing visit.

This fee covers the entire cost of International airfare, in-country travel, all program fees, insurance, living accommodations and 12 transferable credits from West Virginia University.


If you or anyone you may be interested in any of the 2 programs, more information and applications are available at:

http://art.ccarts.wvu.edu/international_programs/china_program

If you have any questions feel free to contact us. Hope to see all of you
in Jingdezhen, China!

Shoji Satake
Assistant Professor of Art
West Virginia University
College of Creative Arts
School of Art and Design
Creative Arts Center
PO Box 6111
Morgantown, WV 26506
304-293-3512
shoji.satake@mail.wvu.edu


Robert "Boomer" Moore
Assistant Professor of Art
West Virginia University

Sunday, January 1, 2012

It is Time

Well I have been on Artfire for eleven months and I have to make a decision to stay or go.

I have only good words for the Artfire team.  They have put up a very good looking commercial page, and they have maintained good communication with the members.   I however, have found that the number of views was limited and that in turn kept sales away from my shop.  I had only one sale in eleven months.  There is a time when the income versus expenses, dictate what we do.

I realize that my product is a niche and that the number of people looking for ceramics is not the same as those looking at jewelry or children cloths.  I can only assume that is why the views were so low.

I originally came to Artfire because Etsy was making too many changes to the way they ran the website. See (http://etsy-extended.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-turn-to-migrate.html)  These changes however, did make a difference in the number of visitors to my shop.  My sales did not rise but the fact that many people could see my work was just as satisfying as making a sale. I have had a steady sales record on Etsy,  so that is where I will put my future efforts.  I guess that is what counts in the world of sales.

So, my friends on Artfire, I have decided to terminate my shop as of 01 January 2012. I imagine it will take a while for the paid up time to run out.

I wish everyone on Artfire the best of luck with their sales.  Perhaps someday I will return. 
"Having a bad day"  by: Terrance Frank Lazaroff
"Happy New Year 2012"