“Our Clay Commons”, my Keynote Lecture at the Indiana Clay Conference
“Our Clay Commons” presents ways in which conference attendees can participate in, and help build, our shared wealth of knowledge in the ceramics field. Using examples from my own research and efforts building Artaxis, a 501(c)3 nonprofit art organization, creating my teaching website, Claybucket, and mentoring students, I make the case for the value of building and maintaining our clay commons through sharing information and volunteer action. I gave this lecture at the Indiana Clay Conference in Bloomington, Indiana on October 8th, 2023.
“Brian Harper: Visiting Artist Lecture Series at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois”
I gave this lecture on October 18th, 2022 and in it, I present my work, my professional activity, and some background and what led me to build Artaxis.
“Bridging the Gap: The IUS Ceramics Resident Artist Position”
In “Bridging the Gap: The IUS Ceramics Resident Artist position” I discuss how and why I developed a ceramics residency program at Indiana University Southeast. I explain how this program positively impacted the students, the program, and the art community at IU Southeast, as as provide mentorship to recently graduated MFAs so they can bridge the gap from graduate school to a career in the arts. I gave the lecture at the 2022 NCECA conference.
“Don Bendel: Past Masters”
In this recording of a lecture I gave at the NCECA conference in 2022, I discuss Donald Bendel’s impact on my life as a mentor and teacher. His influence went beyond ceramics — he taught me to embrace experimentation and see challenges as opportunities for growth. Bendel’s teaching extended to living an examined life, and his wisdom continues to guide me and countless others fortunate enough to work with him.