The Mending Manifesto
This is a declaration of ceramic artists: that we patch, mend, repair, and fix imperfections that arise during the technical and complex ceramic process. Patching, mending, and mistake correction during the making process is hardly revolutionary for sculptors in general. However, when it comes to ceramics, we have felt pushback, shame, and silence around this issue within our field. This culture of silence pervades from the classroom to the gallery floor. This manifesto holds that mending within the ceramic medium is not only acceptable, but an essential skill for professional ceramic artists.
Anyone who is familiar with our medium knows that the physical and chemical changes inherent in the process can and do lead to cracks and breakage. We accept that among functional potters, the appearance of a crack or breakage is often legitimate cause to scrap an object and start over. This manifesto will lay out the ways in which we feel it is inappropriate to apply these same standards to ceramic sculpture, and will also offer a discussion on ethical, professional ways that potters may mend work. Read More
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