Have you heard? June 12 marked the release of Season 2, Episode 2 of Citizens of Craft: The Podcast, featuring Melanie Egan of the Harbourfront Centre in downtown Toronto, and Brigitte Clavette, jeweller, metal artist, and instructor at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD).

Podcast Host & CCF Director, Maegen Black, and guest speakers explored the manifesto statement “Cookie cutter doesn’t cut it… In today’s world, you appreciate that craft brings different cultures and perspectives into your space”.

“[The manifesto statement did resonate with me] right away because of how we’re teaching here at [NBCCD], how I see my students,” says Brigitte. “I have some of all genders, I have some of all ages, and I have some who are wanting to do production work, ones who want to do more one-of-a-kind work. I have to find a way to reach every one of them and to help them reach their potentials.”

“I just finished the year-end performance evaluations for all the artists in residence and I have been asked in the past ‘What is the goal of the Craft & Design Studio at Harbourfront Centre?’, and I said ‘Well, you should say goals’”, added Melanie, following Brigitte’s response. “If there are 25 to 26 [artists in residence], there’s 25 to 26 different goals.”

Melanie and Brigitte discuss topics such as the unusual career paths of craft artists, the many ways a person can be an artist, and how to be a champion for craft.

“I support other artists and I think the support of each other is critically important. I’m also a big advocate for membership in organizations, guilds, and galleries. I’m also a board member often. I think our contributions as emerging artists, senior artists – it doesn’t matter which time of your career… There are times for certain voices to be heard and there are opportunities when people need some work done. I urge people to never shy away from that.” – Brigitte Clavette

In addition to the main discussion, this episode’s special segment, titled “The Topic At Hand”, features an auditory studio tour of NBCCD, guided by CCF Digital Content Developer and NBCCD alum, Vena Carr.

This episode was generously sponsored by the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design and made possible through an extensive partnership with voicEd Radio.

Tune in next Wednesday, June 26, for the release of Episode 3, “You Believe in 10-digit Technology” featuring Brendan Tang, ceramicist, and our first international speaker, Matt Durran, UK-based glass artist. Available on citizensofcraft.ca/podcast and all major podcast streaming platforms.

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Featured artwork by Ales Janosik