who? why? what?

To explain a little bit about myself and why I am doing this, I am currently in the final year of my four year Diploma in Ceramics at ANU by Distance. This means I fly to Canberra from WA every January and June to show my latest project work and discuss where I am heading with my Final Project or Independent Work Proposal (IWP). I'll tell you more about the course and the tutors in later postings.

You may ask why I'd want to study at a University all the way across the huge country that Australia is, in Canberra, when there are plenty of places in Western Australia (WA) to study. At the time I decided to take up my ceramics again there was NOTHING available for someone like me. I had called TAFE and the local universities to enquire about courses that included majoring in ceramics but no joy despite a fantastic ceramics studio having been built in Northbridge, Perth since I'd deferred. My third son was off to school for full days and the possibility of getting back into clay teased me. I needed flexibility to be able to drop everthing and dash back to the school to pick up a sick kid or to attend one of our many appointments. Mostly I needed projects that would inspire and challenge me, and teachers who would teach techniques that would stretch me and create new possibilities. I have not been disappointed at all. Check out this if you are curious... http://www.anu.edu.au/art/ceramics/distance_diploma.html

A workshop with Sandra Black (you have GOT to Google her work) start here http://www.ceramicartswa.asn.au/membersgallery/sandrablack/index.php
turned out to be the intro I needed, she had recently taught at Australian National University (ANU) Canberra and suggested I look into it. Boy am I glad I did.