craft pottery award

CRAFT POTTERY AWARD 2023.

INTRODUCTION

Amateurs, students, hobbyists, and part-time and full-time practitioners and artists, anyone participating in the field of pottery and ceramics are eligible. It is open to any individual making pottery in Australia.

The Craft Pottery Award offers a cash award of $1500.00 to each of up to three finalists.

The focus is on original, handmade, hand built, wheel-thrown, domestic, utilitarian, functional clay pottery such as bowls, plates, cups, mugs, teapots, coffee pots, lidded containers, jugs, platters, vase and other table wares, dining wares, kitchen wares, that might be found in a home, restaurant, café or hotel.

The wares are to have been made recently in Australia by the entrant.

The award is;
Non-acquisitive. Non-commercial. Non-selling. Non-exhibiting. Not-for-Profit. It is a discretionary award, not a competitive award. Other than the posting of the images of the finalists work in recognition of their contribution, there will be no further accolades or documentation.

Each entrant understands this award is non-commercial, not a business, not a service provider, and that they are sharing together in an informed, open, voluntary, complimentary, noncompulsory, experience.

APPLY

Initially photos (.JPG files) of the works are to be submitted by email to;
craftpotteryaward@gmail.com
with the Subject line, Craft Pottery Award, and in the text,
• Name
• Address
• Age
• Email
• Important: Please state who is the owner of the work(i.e., Self)
• Note: The award is for an individual who makes this submission, and although the work may have a shared attribution, the individual is hereby claiming the award as an individual.
• An artist statement may be submitted, but is not essential.

Also describe the pottery, giving details of the objects,
• number of items (total 3)
• general description (e.g. small white bowl, Teapot with cane handle, etc.)
• size (measurements: e.g. height: diameter: width:)(where necessary stipulate measurement includes or excludes handle/spout eg.)
• weight, grams,  kgs, etc.
• material of body (e.g. Earthenware clay, Midfire clay, Stoneware clay, Porcelain clay)
• type of glaze (e.g. Clear, Opaque, Transparent, Matte, Celadon, Tenmoku, Iron, Cobalt, Copper, Majolica, etc.)
• firing conditions (e.g. Electric, Gas, Oxidation, Reduction, Woodfire, Salt, etc.)
• firing temperature, °C, and Cone#.
• style of pottery (if believed to be so, but not important)
• type of pottery (e.g. Earthenware, Midfire, Low Stoneware, Stoneware, Porcelain, etc.)
• any additional or special features, characteristic décor, etc.

COPY THIS SECTION & PASTE IN YOUR EMAIL, ADDING ALL THE DETAILS.

Details
• Name:
• Address:
• Age:
• Email:
• Owner of the work:

Description, one for each item or set: (repeat for each)

• number of items in set:
• general description:
• size: (height, width, diameter, in mm)
• weight: (Kgms)
• material of body:
• firing conditions:
• firing temperature: °C, and Cone# .

• glaze:

• style/type of pottery:
• additions (eg, cane handle)

Attachment photograph.  Please submit .JPG files.

NOTE: I can not use Apple’s iPhone and iPad  photos in the HEIF image format, with the .HEIC file extension. 

(name of photograph and name of item)
• 1:
• 2:
• 3:
• +

Entrants accept all the conditions offered in order to participate by the submission of an email with the details as above.

The entrant understands he/she is participating freely of their own accord and it is work of their usual making. It is not work produced exclusively for the Award.  The Award is in no way party to the entrants activity, or their products, which is solely their own responsibility.

Copy all of above to email and complete and send with attachments and with the subject - CRAFT POTTERY AWARD. Submission of photographs and application via email: Closes 31 May 2023
Early entry encouraged. Results will be advised by email very soon after 31 May.

Organiser / Purpose of Event

The purpose is to support the pottery craft practitioners with a cash award.
The organiser can be contacted by email for submissions. The organiser is a private benefactor. There are no arrangements for an event, venue, or display, other than on the web page. There are no connections with another host, sponsor or organisation. There are no sponsors, commercial or otherwise. This does not limit an organisation, or media, internet, use of the images and particulars, for ordinary and fair use.

It is expected there will be up to 10 finalists, but this is not fixed. The finalists works will be held for a short period for judging and then returned at no cost to the finalist. If the selected finalist fails to provide the physical pottery in a timely fashion the selection for the award is void. No exhibition, other than as images, is part of this award. Sale of work is not part of this award. Sales inquiries will be redirected to the participants. The finalist works and the winning work will be shown on the web page and Facebook. All participants will be notified by email of the results, the selected finalists, and then the awardees.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

I am thinking of pottery as some ordinary article made from clay, and with ceramic features, but not deliberately as a medium for design, decoration, and art.

When starting from the fundamentals, pottery is primarily an article of clay, hand made by a potter. All the technique, tools, equipment, technology, artistry and decoration, are further steps dictated by economic, industrial, social and cultural norms. What is fashionable, popular, and commercial, are those norms, and their changing appearances in time.

The fundamental nature of pottery is the working with clay, and with the tools, processes, equipment and technology, to make useful, functional, forms.
A question I ask is, does the potter work intentionally to reproduce technique, artistry, decoration, and style, or do they work freely, unassumingly, with the basic nature of clay and form, to make pottery?

There is no anticipated set pottery form or style, nor technical, historical or cultural preference. It is envisioned they are made by a craftsperson with a free approach to handmade craft pottery, not making any superfluous effort, such as the quirky, the embellished, the sophisticated, and the adorned. The restrained nature of the work is a quality that can’t be made definite, cannot be bound by any description, and relates more closely to an appreciation of the tactile and a truth in the fundamentals of the potter.

The object is to be functional utilitarian craft pottery or ceramic wares, not objects which would otherwise be called objects of art, sculpture, or non-functional objects. Functional, utilitarian, pottery is for basic and ordinary use in the home, restaurant, café or hotel. Original means made creatively by the individual, notwithstanding it may have some standard, familiar or traditional form.

There may be some leeway in understanding what works do or donot qualify. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS/RESTRICTION

Work should have been created in the last two years. Submit, by photographic images (.JPG files) via email, 3 different sets of images showing works of a similar item of pottery. Such as 3 x bowls, or 3 x cups. That is, they are similar production type pottery, repeated, duplicates, thrown on a wheel, but not necessarily perfect or exact copies. They can be decorated or glazed differently, but essentially be a duplicated form. The size of the work should not be very large. It is not anticipated very large works will be submitted. It is expected the largest works would be bowls,plates and teapots, or lidded containers. The main consideration is the size of the package needed and the costs involved in delivery.
For example, 3 cups can fit safely into a box approx 30cm x 30cm x30cm and weigh under 2 kg. 3 plates can fit safely in a box 35cm x 35cm x 35cm and weigh under 3 kg. 2 teapots can fit safely into a box 40cm x 35cm x30cm and weigh under 4 kg. Do not scrimp on packing. Make every effort to use lots of bubble wrap and scrunched up newspaper, and maybe pack a box within a box, or line with sheets of foam, etc.

Statement of originality

The work is an original uncopied work made solely by the practitioner. Preferably all aspects of the work are created by the practitioner, including the decoration and glazing, but possibly a work can have been glazed with a commercial glaze, and fired in a shared kiln, or other kiln, not immediately under the creative control of the practitioner.
Works are only to be submitted by the original practitioner.  The entrant acknowledges this originality.

Number of entries

Submit, first by photographs via an email, three or more different views of three separate items. That is, side view, top view, bottom view, and reverse view. Don't submit more than 3 different items. That is the most you can submit is 3 sets of 3 or 4 images = 9 to 12 images, but minimally one set of 3 can be sufficient.
The photos don't have to be taken with an extremely high quality camera.
Please take the time to get good lighting and a plain background, with no distractions in the photo. A pot placed on a sheet of paper or a cloth which also forms a raised background, outside in not direct sunlight, works quite well. If you can, select a high aperture to get depth to the image. Selection will rely on these photos, but the photos don't have to be professional
Save your image as a JPG or JPEG, about 2000 x 1500 pixels and about 300 psi.

NOTE: I can not use Apple’s iPhone and iPad  photos in the HEIF image format, with the .HEIC file extension.  Do not send these.

Incorporate your first or last name into the file names of your uploaded images to help make the file names unique. Please avoid using simple names like "teapot.jpg" or "cup.jpg" . Instead use, for example, “smith_teapot_blue.jpg” or “JJ_cup_small.jpg”
Do not put any text directly on the image.
The selected participants will later be asked to send an example of the actual pottery to the Award.

Lateness

Entries requested for delivery will have to arrive no later than 30th June 2023. Failure of the delivery in this period will result in a cancellation of the request, and nullification of eligibility for the award. Any loss or damage while in transit is the responsibility of the entrant, the practitioner. Enter up to three functional pieces or sets
Work will be disqualified if it is not the same piece that was accepted
Work must arrive in time for the viewing
Accepted work which displays poor craftsmanship or fails to perform the function for which it is intended will not be considered.

Entry Fees

No entry fee. Initial freight, delivery charges, are responsibility of finalist.

Labels

Label the works with a temporary removable sticker. The labels should correspond to the list of items, and have name of maker, description or title of work.

Display of work

The works will most likely not be displayed or exhibited at a venue, or event. The images will be shown on the web. The works will not be on sale. Any sales enquiries will be redirected to the entrant.

Packing and Delivery

Firstly, the works will be short-listed by selection from the submission of photographs via the web. Actual items of work will then be submitted by the finalists. Work does not have to be submitted until notification of this is received by email.
Works must be packed securely in a manner whereby they can easily and safely be returned in their original packaging.

Use a strong cardboard box. A foam box is also suitable. Don’t think a small package is better. Check for yourself, you will find the price is calculated mainly by weight. Of course size does come into the equation, but for most small to medium packages the cost will be based on the weight. So you can afford to use a box a bit bigger and put in lots of packing material.t

Wrap each item with 2 or more layers of bubble wrap. Do not put objects directly together, even if it is possible for the bowls or plates to fit together. Allow lots of space for packing material. Separate each wrapped object with lots of shredded or scrunched-up newspaper. Surround all of the objects with this packing. Do not be frugal with the box size. Tape it well. Put fragile stickers on the box, even though everyone will tell you it is not a fragile service.
As well as addressing the box, label the box with the entrants name and attach an image of what is in the box. Indicate where to open the box.

Sending, the postage, and postal extras, and insurance at all times, is entirely the responsibility of the practitioner. The items selected will be returned as ordinary parcel mail at no cost.
No liability is accepted for breakages.
As a general rule you should be able to hold the box up and then be able to drop it on a floor without damage. Do not use solid packing alone. This is far less safe than using shredded paper or scrunched up newspapers because the flexibility is what cushions the wares. An added protection is to fit a box inside a box.

The main consideration is for delivery by courier or post. For example, allowing for good packing, 3 cups can fit safely into a box approx 30cm x 30cm x 30cm and weigh under 2 kg. 2 plates can fit safely in a box 35cm x 35cm x 35cm and weigh under 3 kg. 1 teapot can fit safely into a box 40cm x 30cm x30cm and weigh under 3 kg. The postage varies according to location. The main factor in calculating delivery charges through Australia Post, will be the overall size, and not the weight, and so the price will vary more with the size. But don't try to save a few dollars.

Freight Arrangements

The selected finalists bear the cost of freight to the award,

send to Pottery Craft Award, ...(finalists receive advice)................................

Please do NOT specify a signature is required. The delivery can be left safely at the address. 

The return delivery is at no cost to the finalist. If the practitioner chooses to arrange return delivery themselves, all the arrangements must be done by the practitioner. The Award accepts no responsibility for organising couriers for delivery or pick-up, or for extra charges or extra arrangements imposed by couriers. Ordinary return delivery of works to the address given will be arranged and paid by the organiser in a timely fashion.

Disclaimer, care and responsibility:

The organisers and their agents will exercise all reasonable care with works submitted and will not be responsible for the loss or damage to any work while in its custody or in transit.
Each artist entrant accepts the organisers and the Award and its agents are not liable for any claims for any loss or damage suffered to their work, and for any claims for public liability, injury, compensation, etc.
Each artist is responsible for their own insurance cover.
Works will not be accepted unless the work arrives for the Award free of all freight and other charges.

Insurance of Work

Every effort will be made to take care of the work, but in the event of damage or theft, no liability is accepted. All kinds of public liabilty or any other insurance is the sole responsibility of the entrant. 

Repairs

Sometimes damage occurs to works in transit, in storage or on display. A damaged work may still be considered for the award.

Damage in transit.

Practitioners will receive notification if work is received in a damaged condition. Every effort will be made to comply with any requirements imposed by the practitioner’s transport insurer (if any).

Damage while under the care of the organiser.
If a work is accidentally damaged while in the care of the organiser the work will be returned to the practitioner for further action.

Reproduction of Artistic Works

Copyright is an economic right that allows practitioners who create ‘artistic works’ as defined in the Copyright Act 1968 to benefit from reproduction of their work. In most cases copyright is owned by the practitioner and exists from the moment a work is created.

Copyright remains with the copy right owner (usually the practitioner).

This award is non-commercial, non-profit. Images will be used for evaluation and selection. The images may be used for a review or for public viewing. No situation is envisioned in this award where the practitioners copyright might be sought or exercised for license.

The organisers reserve the right to photograph works to use for the purpose of documentation and promotion. All images will only be used with appropriate acknowledgement of authorship. The organisers reserve the right to reproduce the entries in subsequent media in relation to the Award.

Rejection or Censorship of Works

In rare circumstances, the organiser may reject or in some way censor a work that violates laws eg in relation to obscenity, libel, defamation, sedition, invasion of privacy or breach of copyright, or which may in some way violate the good sense of what is domestic utilitarian pottery wares.

Disputes
The objects will be evaluated according to the stated assessment guidelines, first by the photographs and later by consideration of the actual physical object(s). No personal correspondence or personal input is required, other than for the identification of the practitioners and their work along with the application. Personal or private discussion or dispute is not accepted by the organiser.

Opening event

No display, opening, or formal event will take place. Images of the work will be initially posted on the internet, in reference to the Award, to the details of the makers name, on the web page and on Facebook under the title of Craft Pottery Award. Further web links or other web platform sharing and postings of the images may arise from this, but this is the nature of the web.

Announcement of judges’ decisions

The name of the winners and the prize-winning works will be communicated to all participants by email and be shown on the web page and the Facebook page.

Media and Promotion

No entrants are expected to participate in any personal promotional activities associated with the award. Notice of the award, photographs of the submissions with captions, names of finalists, and the final result, will be posted on the web. No media involvement is anticipated.

Payment of award.

Very soon after all the works have been received for judging a decision will be made. A cheque for prize monies will be made out to the entrants and posted to the address given.

Local entrants.

It is preferred, and is most convenient to post, or send by courier, because the local charge is small.
It is not preferable, but where a finalist lives locally they may choose to drop off and pick up their work. I do not have business premises. I don't have daily full-time attendance for the public, at the door or by phone. If having made prior arrangements, a set time and date, via email, please stick to the day and time of any arrangement made. Do not expect to make last minute changes by mobile phone.  Do not send or deliver any pots until selected as a finalist.

***Craft Pottery Award has the discretion to make changes to aspects of the award as it may be appropriate. 

Thanking you for your interest,

Enquiries to: Peter at,
craftpotteryaward@gmail.com