“Wood firing is a process of individuality.” -Simon Levin
Union’s art department has invited Simon Levin to share his story and expertise on the craft of ceramics. Levin became captivated by clay in 1993, and he has been developing his craft since. His primary goal through this process is to capture the movement of the flame in the wood-kiln and translate the movement of the flame onto his work. Currently, he owns Mill Creek Pottery in Pawnee, IL and focuses primarily on wood-fired pottery. He is also a 2013 Fulbright Senior Scholar and is a predominant figure in the contemporary ceramics community, continuing to practice traditional craftsmen apprenticeships.
“Simon will offer our students a unique and in-depth perspective on what it takes to move from undergraduate art student to a professional in the field,” said Candace Gooch-Ward, academic secretary of Union University’s art department.
The Art Department Workshop and Gallery Exhibition with begin on Feb. 11, 2019, and run through March 15, 2019. It will feature Levin’s most recent work, and all pieces will be available for purchase.
“I’m really interested to hear him talk about his firing process,” said Jessica Ferrari, a junior sculpting and ceramics student. “Using a wood fired kiln makes very beautiful and natural looking markings. The way he writes about wood firing is really beautiful too.”
To kick off the festivities on Feb. 11 and 12, the department is hosting two full days of workshop demonstrations from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the PAC Small Gym. All workshops will be led by Levin. Along with the workshops, there will also be a lecture by Levin on Feb. 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in PAC A-72. All events are free to students, faculty and staff.
The art department is devoted to giving students opportunities to hear and learn from highly esteemed artists in a variety of areas within the art world. By inviting Levin to speak and lead the hands-on workshops, they are allowing students, both within the art department and throughout the entire Union community, to deepen their understanding of ceramics and wood firing.
