I’m still trying to get my brain cells to line up again after the intense, uplifting NPCG Synergy conference. When that happens I will continue to share my report and reflections on this powerful experience. I thought Bryan Hopkins’ cool, white porcelain collection might help quiet the buzzing in my head. Hopkins was in Baltimore this past weekend too, showing his wares at the American Craft Council show. The pot pictured below is part of his Dysfunction series.
The work challenges the existence of a difference between inside and outside as the two become intertwined and ones sense of access is heightened. The pieces imply the capability of containing physical objects (fruit, bread), but are only able to contain the intangible substances of light and shadow.
This morning my brain belongs to the Dysfunction series – a good breakfast and a strong cup of tea should find me relating more to his Function series. I’ll be back later with more to say…
I think this post illustrates one of the leaps we were being encouraged to make at Synergy: there is nothing wrong with the pursuit of making “cool” objects… but when we can tell a story with those objects, and those objects help start interesting conversations, we get closer to joining the fine craft traditions represented in shows and museums.
At session after session, you heard things like “add things to your piece that contribute information” or “think about the narrative you are trying to create for your viewer”….