APPRENTICESHIP SUMMARY
This ceramic based apprenticeship will focus on apprentice artist Aiden Fraser’s goals to further develop the concepts she currently explores in her work, expand her ceramic practice skill set, learn the intricacies and logistics of wood kiln firing, become certified to manage wood kiln firings at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts and establish the framework and systems for successful inventory tracking and bookkeeping. She will accomplish this through 100 hours of guidance with mentor artist Tim Christensen including in-studio training, remote critiques and business sessions and two multi-day wood kiln firings at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts.
MENTOR
Tim Christensen (Roque Bluffs, ME)
I live and work in Roque Bluffs in an off-grid home and studio I built with a former partner starting in 2009. I often fire my work at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, in Newcastle, Maine, using their wood and salt kilns to add varying amounts of chaos, chance, or natural variation to my controlled etchings.
I have been a potter since 1999, and working in black and white sgraffito on porcelain since 2004. I have shown my work all over the world, and this year completed a very limited edition book entitled “Reflect, Adapt, and Persevere” with co-author Carri Lange, about my travels and thoughts on environmental philosophy.
“I have been watching Aidan’s work online and in person for about 1 year. I am impressed with her commitment to a life of craft, to expression through art, her attention to detail and technique, and her use of clay as a more sculptural, rather than functional, material. We have been talking about CAP since August, 2020, and she has readily accepted and followed up on all opportunities I have pointed out to her. Aidan will be successful at whatever path she takes with clay, and I want to assist.“ – Tim Christensen
APPRENTICE
Aidan Fraser (Portland, ME)
I have lived in Damariscotta, ME my entire life until moving to Portland, ME, permanently two years ago after graduating from college. My hands have been in clay since the age of seven, but just over a year ago I began seriously exploring my craft and my message as an artist. For the past six months, I have worked out of Portland Pottery where I am currently initiating my new business Luster Hustler Ceramics.
My sense of self and belonging has been heavily influenced by the strong women in my small Maine communities and beyond. Through my work I aim to honor and immortalize them and their immense impact on my life and society. My work focuses on body positivity, acceptance and self love through exploration of the female form. Using 22 karat gold luster, I accentuate and highlight areas of the female body typically concealed by media and society at large.
My work simply would not exist without the undying support from my beautiful Maine communities. Because of that, I donate a percentage of my proceeds each month to local organizations under Luster Hustler Ceramics. Through my work and donations, I hope to emphasize the importance of a full-circle mentality focused on giving to those who have given to you, supporting local environments and people.
“Tim and I have been connected through social media for a year or so now and have been in touch intermittently. Tim is always more than willing to introduce me to new people in the art community and has been continuously generous and supportive of my craft. I greatly appreciate Tim’s focus on Maine’s environment in his work which is both beautiful and educational. I believe Tim can teach me not only about being successful as a full time craftsperson, but about being a mindful creator as well.” – Aidan Fraser