
Rose Wharton spent seven weeks this summer in a workstudy scholarship at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. As a result of her time working for Arrowmont and taking workshops, she was offered the opportunity to come back in a workstudy role for the Utilitarian Clay Symposium that happened September 10-13th. With 200 attendees, the symposium offered demonstrations and presentations by over 20 leaders in the field of utilitarian ceramics. Rose shared some of her reflections on the symposium and her time as a workstudy with us.
Can you describe an inspiring moment from the demonstrations at the symposium? Were there specific techniques you saw that you’d like to try?
I really enjoyed watching Shikha Joshi use a variety of different surface treatments to create an array of textures on her cups. She used sodium silicate, fruit salts and powdered clay material to create her signature cracked texture. I was surprised by how accessible yet effective her process is. It was inspiring to watch her work and explain that her process is very experimental and she herself continues to learn new things through play and failure.
Did you gain new insight into your artistic aspirations regarding working philosophy or content by hearing the panel discussions, talks, or informal conversations happening throughout the symposium?
A frequent topic at the symposium was importance and what we assign value to as artists. It was meaningful to me to be reminded of the control over what I deem important and valuable, and how that ultimately influences my work, my process and material choices, how I want my work to be consumed and exist in this world, how and who I receive critique from, what my aspirations are and what my idea of success is. Having the privilege of being an artist allows me the autonomy and freedom to decide how I choose to move through this world. Another insight I gained was the impact of naming joy and how that has the capability of deeply influencing my practice. Finding moments to acknowledge big and small successes and feelings of joy has the power to significantly impact my self worth as an artist, as I am my toughest critic.
What are the highlights of attending the symposium on a work/study scholarship?
One of my favorite parts of being a Work Study was having a cohort of people to share the symposium experience with. As a student, being surrounded by professional working artists that I admire was very intimidating, but having a group of people that supported me gave me the courage to initiate conversations and feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar setting.
Would you recommend attending craft school workshops as a work/study? Do you have any advice for students seeking work/study scholarships?
Absolutely! It’s an immersive experience that gives you the opportunity to learn as a workshop attendant as well as participate in the daily operations of a craft school, not only is it an enriching experience for yourself and your artistic practice but you are also making a contribution to the craft community. My advice would be to go into a Work Study position with an open mind and willingness to try new things.
If you have other thoughts that you want to share, please do so.
I am incredibly grateful to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts for giving me the opportunity to attend the Utilitarian Clay Symposium as a Work Study.