At the glaze shop & brush-makers shop today. All photos by Georgia Gabrielle

Georgia arrives in Jingdezhen

Hello friends

HOORAY I HAVE MADE IT TO JINGDEZHEN LAST NIGHT! My Chinese stint is about to begin.

I snapped this photo in the market a couple of days ago when some kids were poking this crab with a chopstick. Its gesture is how I feel, after 21 days travelling through China- refreshed, well slept, well fed, de-stressed, suntanned and happy. Its the start of a new chapter. Orientation day today!

First impressions:

- my driver from the pottery workshop almost didnt pick me up from the airport last night. I was the last person at the airport and just as all of the lights went off, and the one and only taxi driver was about to charge me a fortune, he arrived! phewwww......
- it is filthy hot. Its 7.30am an 38 degrees already. The 4 tshirts I packed are not going to do for 3 months. Might have to buy some sequinned Micky Mouse numbers from the local market.
- studios are gorgeous big spaces (ready for me to fill up!). I had a late night tour last night.
- Met a nice couple from Oregon, a lady from India and a guy from Brisbane last night who will be in the studio. Everyone here is around 30 years old, which is good news.
- compound is very clean (almost sterile) like a gated community. Galleries everywhere! (Karolyn its like 798 in Beijing :) )
- meeting up with the other Adelaidian's who have arrived this morning in an hours time.
- I feel like its the first day of school. I am excited and nervous all rolled into one.

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend! Now I am off to find some steamed buns for breaky.

Peace and love

x x x x x x x

Wayne's Fundraising Dinner

On Monday 26th July I staged a Chinese inspired Dinner and Quiz night to raise money to go towards my Jingdehzen Residency and China adventure. It was a great night, with over 100 people attending including Jessie Lumb and Georgia Gabrielle who are also recipients of the Helpmann Academy Pottery Workshop residency. The Helpmann Academy (quiz winners!), colleagues from the ceramics department of the Jam Factory and Lecturing staff from Adelaide College of the Arts were amongst the guests who braved a cold Monday night to show their support. My thanks to everyone who attended.

3 New Emerging Artists Selected For China!

Three emerging artists have been selected for the 2010 Helpmann Academy artist residency at the Pottery Workshop in Jindezhen China. Wayne Mcara AC Arts, Georgia Gabriella AC Arts & Jessica Lumb from Uni SA. Under the directorship of world renowned potter Takeshi Yasuda, this second Helpmann Academy China residency will run for 6 weeks commencing on Sept 9th. Check into this Blog regularly to see updates from the artists themselves!