Chuck Wagoner RR2 Box 21
Rockville, IN 47872
(765) 569-5423
(765) 492-5133 (Work)
cwag@abcs.com
cwagoner@nvc.k12.in.us
The tapes originally sold for 45.00 each. (8 tapes) Now we are putting the four "Methods" films on one tape and the four "Potters" films on one tape. The cost of each compilation is 40.00 plus 3.50 shipping and handling for each tape. Free previews are available. Contact me for any further information.
The following is a transcription of the flyer that went out with the Peeler's 16mm films back in 1982. I have also posted a letter Marj Peeler wrote me about the making of the films and her involvement in them. This will give anyone interested in them an idea of what they are and about.
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CERAMIC ART FILMS
The eight color films in the ceramic art series are a wonderful opportunity to introduce your students to the exciting world of ceramics.
The producers, Richard and Marj Peeler are full time studio potters with many years' experience. Mr. Peeler was a teacher of ceramics for over 20 years; the last fourteen years were as Assoc. Professor of Art at DePauw University. He is past president of the National Council of Education for the Ceramic Arts.
By showing ceramic artists at work, these films provide unique insight into the methods, materials, and equipment basic to the art and craft of ceramics. Artists' commentaries are included to give an insight into their thinking and philosophy in planning and executing their work. The presentation of good examples of both historical and contemporary pottery and sculpture will stimulate the student's awareness of and sensitivity to ceramic art, and will inspire him to work in clay himself.
Ceramics, What? Why? How?
This introductory film presents an overall picture of materials and processes used in the production of ceramics. Opening with a sequence on a primitive method of firing pottery, the film turns next to the basic substance of ceramics ----clay--- and shows different kinds of clay, where and how it is obtained and how it is made ready for use. Several forming methods are demonstrated. Pieces are bisque fired in a kiln and then glazed. Composition of glazes is discussed and we see some of the ways in which glazes can be applied. The word "kiln" is defined and five different kinds are seen. In final firing the intense heat melts the glazes, fuses them to the pots, and brings out the colors.
color * 16 minutes*
The Coil Method
This film shows how an artist develops an idea and translates it into form using clay ropes or coils, one of the basic methods in ceramic art. It gives the viewer an appreciation of coil-built ceramics, both ancient and contemporary and presents an approach to good design using organic forms for inspiration. Mr. Peeler is shown sketching and planning his design and then building the piece. He explains every phase of the work. Emphasis is given to a flowing pleasing contour and suggestions for variations and adaptations of the method are made.
color * 21 minutes *
Handbuilding Methods
This film presents a basic introduction to several hand-building methods --- ways to create pottery and sculpture forms by hand with a minimum of tools and equipment. Includes pinching, with variations, use of soft slabs, use of slabs over existing objects used as molds, hollowing a solid form, use of stiffened slabs, some ways of texturing. Does not include the coil methods. (see film "The Coil Method") Emphasizes the joy of creating forms without the use of a wheel.
color * 16 minutes *
4. Creating Mosaics and Tiles
The immense variety and versatility of ceramic tiles and mosaics are the subject of this film which will increase the viewer's sensitivity to pattern and texture, and stimulate awareness of mosaic or patterned tile walls encountered in community or the home. Throughout the film, good craftsmanship is stressed. Mr. Peeler first demonstrates hand methods of making clay tiles, and then shows planning and layout stages of the project for which the tiles are to be used. Procedures for stacking, glazing, cementing in place and grouting are demonstrated and many methods of creating texture and patterns with simple, improvised tools, found objects and clay stamps are shown.
color * 15 minutes *
5 and 6
Potters of Japan, Parts 1 and 2 These two films, shot on location in Japan, will reveal the influence Japanese pottery has had on ceramics all over the world, and give insight into Japanese culture through the ceramic methods and philosophies of the five potters shown in each film. Each man is famous for his mastery of a particular technique and the viewer gets a rare opportunity to observe him closely as he works. These men frequently depend upon heat, flames, and wood ash to finish their work, and the pottery reflects the wide range of results, which is inevitable in this unique partnership with nature. Because each man carries on the work of his ancestors, pottery is seen being made much as it was centuries ago. A particular attraction of these films if the firing of the multi-chambered Japanese kilns.
PART 1. INCLUDES:
Mori Pottery of Shikoku
Kei Fujiwara at Bizen
Mr. Ichino at Tamba
Ancient elbo-made pots near Kyoto
Yuzo Kondo at Kyoto Bidai
color * 16 minutes 8
PART 2 INCLUDES:
Mr. Rokusai at Shigaraki
Takuo Kato at Tajimi
Mr. Kaneshigi at Bizen
Mr. Shimaoka at Mashiko
Raku Pottery at Kyoto
color * 15 minutes *
7 and 8
Potters of the U.S.A. Parts 1 and 2 Four outstanding American potters are presented working and discussing their craft in each of these two films shot in the artists' own studios. Those visited are all sound, successful craftsmen, with many years' experience. Because each one discusses his own personal philosophy and talks about his work, a feeling of intimacy is created between the artist mad the viewer A wide variety of forming and glazing methods are demonstrated and many of each artists' finished pieces are shown in addition to those in progress. The works range from vase shapes on which the artist has inscribed poetry and quotations to a hundred-foot-long ceramic mural.
PART 1 INCLUDES:
Charles Lakofsky, William Wyman, Vivika and Otto Heino
color * 16 minutes *
PART 2 INCLUDES:
Warren Mackenzie, Paul Bogatay, Toshiko Takaezu, Frans Wildenhain
color * 17 minutes *