The Water Closet Workshop
Water Closet Workshop in Gustavsberg, October 2000
Background
Gustavsberg is a vital industrial area where you'll find ceramic production on both a large industrial scale and in smaller workshop production. The former is represented by the Gustavsberg VVS, and the latter by HPF and Farstavikens Porslin and about forty active ceramists in the area. The suggestion for the Water Closet Workshop project was raised at a visit to the factory in the fall of 1999. This visit was initiated by the local authorities (V"rmd- kommun) as part of an ongoing discussion between Konstfack and the authorities about the future establishment of a Ceramic Resource Center in Gustavsberg. A study has been carried out and will be presented in Gustavsberg during this autumn. At the same time the possibility of a Ceramic House in Gustavsberg is also being studied; this could be accomplished by - among other things - the fact that the Swedish National Museum is willing to become owners of Gustavsberg's Porcelain Museum. This opens up great possibilities of further development and interesting future collaborations.
The idea
The aim of the Water Closet Workshop is that invited artists will be given access to a range of production line items - wash-basins and water closets - at various stages of manufacture, e.g. fired and unfired ware. It will thus be possible to work with graphic methods, print, painting, as well as modeling in relief etc. A fundamental aim is to further create the ground for a stimulating work environment bringing together international, Nordic and Swedish artists. The idea of a workshop at Gustavsberg VVS should become a colorful work in itself featuring the company's products modified in playful, probably provocative ways and at best stimulating ideas for the creation of new ones. If the project is successful the company has declared an interest in developing it further, cooperating with us in various ways.
Realization
Gustavsberg VVS has proved to be fully engaged and interested in participating in, and creating the necessary conditions for, the Water Closet Workshop at their factory. The premises are excellent and the company will provide the know-how and practical help demanded. About fifteen artists/designers will take part in the workshop, commencing in week 43 and concluding in week 45, 2000
Additional Initiatives
In connection with the Water Closet Workshop, the Department of Ceramics & Glass at Konstfack will arrange a course for professional artists at the factory, the theme being Ceramics in a Public Milieu. Some lectures and conferences may be arranged spanning both projects. Having a wide experience of graphic techniques and the author of several, widely distributed books on the subject, British ceramist Paul Scott will conduct demonstrations and consultations.
Presentation/documentation
In addition to his own participation in the project, the invited artist Les Lawrence will put up a Water Closet Internet Workshop Journal. By way of a special web-site it will be possible to follow our daily activities. This site will remain after the project is concluded, thus documenting it. The invited art historian Dr. Stephanie Brown will also follow and document the project. The project will end with an exhibition, with a first opening taking place at the Porcelain Museum in Gustavsberg on the 17th of November and later at Konstfack. December 10, 2000
This project is sponsored by AB GUSTAVSBERG, KONSTFACK, KU and IASPIS (International Artist Studio Program in Sweden)
Working Facilities
The temperature for the sanitary ware is 1220 degrees C and most of our work must be adjusted to that temperature. However, there will be limited access to a smaller kiln for different types of firing. Gustavsberg, where the factory is situated, is really a nice village situated about 40 minutes by bus or car from the center of Stockholm. It is a place, rich in ceramic traditions with an old porcelain museum, the old porcelain factory (empty to day) and a range of ceramic activities. It would be most practical to stay out there during the workshop period. It is easy to visit the city and Konstfack.