In this newsletter we'll update you on something to look forward to for next year and the latest challenge for metal clay artists! We're also featuring one of our Guild members, Leila Godden. And it could be you next month! Read on to find out how...

Enjoy...

PMC Symposium 2009

Vendors Hall Date: 8th and 9th August 2009

Venue: Explore @ Bristol

At-Bristol
Anchor Road
Harbourside
Bristol
BS1 5DB

(please note-bookings will be handled by the PMC Guild UK office beginning in December so do not contact At-Bristol)

Mark the date in your diary! This two day event is not to be missed.

We have the entire top floor of this ultra modern building located in the chic harbour-side area of Bristol. Easy access, plenty of hotels and great restaurants.

Guest presenters include Tim McCreight, Jeannette Landenwitch , Robert Dancik and the inventor of Bronze Clay - Bill Struve. Seminar Group

Highlights include - exhibition of Masters Registry work, evening wine reception with 'on-the-spot' competition, vendors, book signing, hands-on demonstrations of new techniques, one-to-one sessions, delegates' gift bag and much more.

Special rates for PMC Guild members. Details to follow soon.

Metal Clay Masters Registry

After four years of development, the Metal Clay Master's Registry has now been launched. If you're serious about metal clay, this is the programme for you.

The Masters Registry is a structured program linked to an independent evaluation system that is the most prestigious and professional credential in the field of metal clay. A rigorous curriculum of fifty projects provides artists with a challenge that will propel them to improved technical skills and into new creative realms.

Although the initial funding came from the PMC Guild to develop the programme, the Masters Registry is not tied to a manufacturer, distributors, or discounts. It is international in scope and is open to all artists working in metal clay.

UK Guild Director Lisa Cain is one of only a dozen artists chosen from around the world to be invited by Tim McCreight to help formulate the Masters Registry programme as part of an advisory board.

These rings are three interpretations of the Masters Registry project A8, Nesting Rings with a Gemstone by Lisa Cain, Noortje Meijerink and Hattie Sanderson

Lisa was asked to advise on content, test-run projects and comment on the Masters Registry syllabus. 'When I became an Advisor for this programme back in January 2007 I was able to draw on some of my past experiences. However, nothing could have prepared me for the way that these Registry projects have stretched me as an artist. I am trying techniques, materials and new ways of working which I hadn't previously imagined and am delighted at the valuable new skills the experience has brought me. The calibre of work and technical advancements which will arise from the Masters Registry are invaluable for the entire metal clay community. I am pleased and proud to have been involved in this prestigious programme.'

Several people from the UK have already signed up for the programme. Read on to find out about one person's experience so far...

You can learn more at www.mastersregistry.com

UK Guild member Julia Rai signs up for the Masters Registry

What prompted you to sign up for this Julia?

"I've been through lots of training in metal clay and jewellery making, and I'm also teaching it. When I looked at the projects in the Masters Registry, it just seemed to me that this was the next challenge for me as an artist. I'm really interested in getting expert feedback on my work so I can grow as an artist."

How did you choose the first 10 projects to do?

"I read them all several times and made some basic notes about the requirements of each project. Some just immediately appealed to me, like E1, the Votive Figure. I've always been fascinated by ancient belief systems and cultures so I was attracted to the research element. The result was my rendering of the Egyptian goddess Heket, goddess of childbirth. She appears in the form of a frog."

What's been the most tangible benefit so far?

"The discipline of planning before I start. Before I began the Masters Registry projects, my work was always a bit like shooting from the hip! I'd just sit down, open a packet of clay and start rolling, texturing and cutting. The Registry projects forced me to really consider what I was going to make before I even opened a packet of clay. I've done more drawing - and I can't draw! - for these projects than ever before. And I've made things in polymer clay to test my ideas. This has been a huge learning for me.

I've also had to think about design, without having the benefit of any formal design training. This has been my greatest challenge and also the source of the most satisfaction so far. And I've used some training that I had earlier in the year about cold connections - thanks Robert Dancik! Making metal clay prongs to attach a found object to a metal clay backing was a real learning process."

What's next for you with the Masters Registry?

"Well, I've just sent of my first 10 precious pieces to the USA so I'm hoping it won't be too long before I get an idea if I've passed the first level or if I have to do some more work on these projects. I'm very pleased with the finished articles, especially a box with a metal clay paper texture. It was a real labour of love so I hope the Registry assessors like it. I'm already planning my next 10 projects so it'll be more late nights and early mornings while I fit working on the projects around my full time job!"

PMC Guild Member of the Month

How would you like to be featured as our Guild Member of the Month? If you'd like to be featured just submit a brief outline of how you found PMC, a little about your background, how you use PMC in your personal/professional life, some photos of your work and a photo of yourself. And if you have a website, let us have that too.

This newsletter goes out to an international community so it's worth getting your work featured. Send your information to the Guild Director.

Featured Guild Member of the Month - Leila Godden

"Pure silver in the form of clay?" I asked, immediately intrigued. I was attending an evening class making conventional silver jewellery, when someone mentioned precious metal clay. I had done an art foundation diploma, during which time I experimented with ceramics, which I loved.

I googled PMC, and couldn't believe that such an ingenious substance existed. I was desperate to learn all about it. My husband bought me a 2 day workshop at the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery in the UK, for my birthday in April 2007, and as soon as I touched the clay, and began to realise the potential, I was hooked. I booked up for the rest of the Diploma in PMC Proficiency, and it exceeded my expectations, which were pretty high. I was totally bowled over by the possibilities, and was fortunate enough to get a kiln that Christmas. I was also impressed by how helpful and generous everyone associated with metal clay is, and by the quality and originality of some of the work.

Another workshop taught me how to photograph my jewellery, then one to add unique textures. I already had some contacts in galleries, as I sell my paintings, so I sourced some nice boxes, got my UK hallmark, put some photos on my website, and started to sell a small volume of work, in my spare time, to "fund my PMC habit". I love the fact you can even paint with the slip, and I use this to create my "cascade" pieces. My dream was to make a piece that would be accepted for the PMC Guild Annual, and I was thrilled to be successful this year.

I have started to teach workshops on a small scale, as "PMC excitement" is infectious, and people want to learn how to use it properly. I definitely saw this as a hobby, yet it keeps offering me opportunities which I can't ignore. My "day job" is as a Life Coach, and even that is shouting "PMC" at me, as I can offer a combination of coaching and creativity which may be unique, and I am currently working on some ideas for combining the two. With understanding and experience, the possibilities are limitless. I am considering signing up for the Masters Registry, which would be a great challenge.