Clay Times Video Review
1/18/01
Steven Branfman
Peeler Ceramic Art Films: Volume 1-Methods, Volume 2-Potters.
68 minutes, 64 minutes. Each volume $45.00 Peeler Productions, c/o Chuck Wagoner, Box 21 RR2, Rockville, IN 47872.
cwag@abcs.com.

I know what some of you are saying; "Ceramic Art Films. Where have I heard that before?". If your pottery education began in the early 1970's and your teacher was a fan of audio visual aids then you most likely watched all or some of these films. If you did, you were treated to a grand learning experience. If you didn't, don't get an anxiety attack. The films are back and your chance to see them has been renewed!

The films were made by Richard Peeler in 1965-68 and they were a labor of love. His idea was to make a "this is how it's done" movie as a teaching aid. No easy-to-use video cameras and editing computers then. Instead, it was a movie making class, rented 16mm cameras and all the equipment to go along with it. In 1966, a sabbatical from his teaching position at Depauw University along with a grant allowed him to begin the work. It was a year of filming with wife Marj behind the camera, then 3 years editing, adding the narration and soundtrack. Distribution rights were sold to McGraw Hill who marketed them to schools. Not happy with sales, after 7 years the Peeler's took over the distribution and sold them directly until the early 1990's. However, since 1993 they have been off the market and unavailable. Fast forward to 2000 and up to the plate steps Chuck Wagoner. Chuck is a family friend whose father was a friend of Richard's at Depauw and who himself, a potter, had worked for Richard in his studio off and on since 1980. When Richard passed away in 1998, Chuck took it upon himself to revive the films as a tribute to Richard and to keep Richard's teaching alive. Chuck, I want to shake your hand!

Now on to the films. Volume 1 is comprised of four parts: Ceramics, What? Why? How?; The Coil Method; Handbuilding Methods; Creating Mosaics And Tiles. The instruction is expert and the presentation is impeccable. Peeler's teaching style is comfortable, fluid, and so pleasant and soothing to watch and listen to. The first segment is a complete overview of the ceramic process including a primitive firing, digging and preparing clay, several forming methods, glaze and kiln discussion, and firing. It's a wonderful introduction to the material and the process. The remaining forming segments are complete demonstrations, and Peeler's instructions are so complete, leaving little to question and lots to experiment with. The demonstrations are interspersed with historical reference and examples as well as a contemporary sampling of ware. Contemporary you say? Well.....contemporary in 1966 at least and this brings us to the inevitable question of relevance. Sure, the tapes are a little dated, the soundtrack is definitely 1960's educational film style and the ware reflects the design and aesthetic sensibilities of the day but do they work in 2001? Absolutely! The films are a pleasure to watch and I dare say might very well be the best videos to show to your beginning and intermediate pottery students of all ages. I guarantee that the students will learn from these films and ask to see them again and again. My high school students did and they're a tough crowd!

Volume 2 is a treasure trove. Potters shows eight American potters and ten segments filmed in Japan. Indeed, many of the potters have since passed away and the films are as much an historical record as they are demonstrations and teaching tools. Charles Lakofsky, William Wyman, Vivika and Otto Heino,Warren Mackenzie, Paul Bogatay, Toshiko Takaezu, and Franz Wildenhain are visited in their studios and observed as they talk about their work, influences, personal philosophies, and experiences. A variety of forming and glazing methods are shown and many finished pieces are displayed. I won't give away too many details but one of my favorite segments is with the Heino's. Otto wedges and throws what looks like 50 or more pounds of clay and both he and Vivika (and in fact all of the potters) talk to us with an honesty and informality that is so comfortable and inviting. The segments filmed in Japan offer us a rare visit and insight into the making of ware. Among the 10 potters and workshops visited are Mori, Fujiwara, Shimaoka, and the 14th generation Raku Kichizaemon. So many throwing methods, glazing methods, and pottery styles are shown that the viewer is inundated with information and inspiration. The huge wood fired kilns are loaded and fired and we are privy to culture, philosophies, and rare views into the making of their pots.

Peeler Ceramic Art Films are an important contribution to our craft. They teach technique and process for sure but they also serve up culture, philosophy, history, and personality. Chuck Wagoner and Marj Peeler have made them available again to honor the memory and legacy of Richard and that, along with the immense value of these films as teaching tools is more than enough to make them part of your library. What would Richard think? After talking with Marj and Chuck and watching the films I suspect that he would be honored, but would rather we saw them as his gift to the pottery community. Thank you Richard.