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Les Manning R.C.A. is a Canadian ceramic artist, academic and arts administrator.

Personal background

Manning was born at Provost, Alberta. . He studied at the Alberta College of Art in Calgary where he majored in ceramics. His artistic career began as a studio potter. Les Manning has been an innovator in the world of ceramics. "(Les Manning's) name is to ceramists as cornflakes is to cereal enthusiasts.") He has been active in a number of arts and crafts organizations and became a senior arts administrator at the Banff Centre and Medalta ceramics centre.

Banff Centre

Les Manning was instrumental in the development of the Banff Centre ceramics program. His association with the Centre began in 1970 when he entered a one year artist-in-residency and became a community class instructor. When the Ceramic Studio was founded in 1974 he became its program director, a job he continued until 1994. Throughout that 20-year period, Manning worked closely with artists of all ages and diverse approaches. His unflagging love of the ceramic medium and his commitment to the fulfillment of the artist’s vision in the studio made him a unique and remarkable administrator during an important period in the transformation of Canadian ceramics from a craft to an accepted art form. His commitment to bring the best of international ceramics to Canada and to send Canadian ceramics abroad furthered the art in a fashion unlike that of any other individual or institutional program.

He also coordinated the ceramics residency at the Medalta Potteries in Medicine Hat, where he continues to maintains his studio.

Ceramic Art Organizations

Les Manning has been an active member of the International Academy of Ceramics. He held a position as vice-president of the organization for eight years. He has a legacy of leadership in the ceramic and craft organizations internationally, nationally and in the Province of Alberta including;

• 1999, Nominated for President of International Academy of Ceramics (IAC)
• 1994, Vice President International Academy of Ceramics, representing North America
• 1992, Member of the Council of the International Academy of Ceramics, representing Canada
• 1990, Nominated to the Board of Directors of the International Academy of Ceramics
• 1988, Spokesman for Canadian Craft Council at World Craft Council Assembly, Sydney, Australia
• 1986-8, President, Alberta Crafts Council
• 1985-8, Board Member, Craft Working Committee for '88 Winter Olympic Cultural Organization Arts Festival
• 1982-4, Chairman, Canadian Clay Conference, 1984
• 1979-80, Founding Member and Vice-President, Alberta Crafts Council.

• 1974-75, First President, Canadian Craft Council
• 1973*, Chairman, International '73 Exhibition and Conference, Banff/Calgary, for the APA under auspices of IAC.
• 1971-73, President, Alberta Potters' Association (APA)

Body of work

Manning's primary interst is working working as an independent studio artist. When the opportunity arose in 1994 for a one-year senior artist-in-residency at The Banff Centre for the Arts, Manning was able to focus full-time on his own creative endeavours and concentrate on individual pieces and technical adjustments. The body of work he produced formed the exhibition Nordic Ode, presented by The Banff Centre in 1995. In 1997 he was granted a Canada Council Artist ‘A’ Grant to complete a cycle of work that has been in production for over 20 years.

Les Manning has lived and travelled across Canada and many parts of the world.

Common / Opposites Gallery Talks The Artist and The Curator

Manning’s new works show a rich emotional and metaphorical register while drawing deeply upon his personal experiences and knowledge of Canada’s lands. Juxtaposing forms, textures and colours, Manning evokes the monumental reach of modernism as an artistic endeavour. Playful references to the humble objects of everyday lighten his sophisticated and contemporary appreciation of the more base aspects of nature, to reveal the rich and contradictory poetry of our ordinary world.

Awards

Manning has been granted various scholarships, honours, and awards for his craft and for his work in promoting ceramic art including;

• Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, inducted 2013
• Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal granted 2012 for significant contributions and achievements in ceramic art
• The Order of Canada, appointed a Member on December 30, 2011
• Award of Honour of Alberta Crafts Council granted 2008
• Alberta Centennial Medal for his contribution to fine craft, 2005
• Awards of Excellence ACAD 75th Anniversary, for 2002,
• Alumni Outstanding Career Achievement ACAD, 1966
• Saidye Bronfman Award, Runner-up for Craftsman of the Year, 1999
• Canada Council A Grant 1997
• Honorary Membership, Alberta Potters' Association, 1996
• Award for outstanding contribution to International Ceramics, Institute for Ceramic History at 4th International Ceramics Symposium, Toronto, ON, 1985
• Alberta Achievement Award, for long standing contributions to ceramics in Alberta, 1984
• Honorary Membership, Canadian Craft Council, 1984
• Long Service Award, Alberta Potters' Association, for Development of Ceramics in Alberta, 1981
• Artist-in-Residence Studio Grant, Canada Council, 1974

Exhibitions

2011

• Common Opposites Solo Exhibition, Esplanade, Medicine Hat, Alberta

2004,

• Solo Exhibition, International Academy of Ceramics Conference, Korea

2003

• 21st Century Ceramics, Canzani Centre Gallery, Columbus College of Art and Design

2002,

• 50th Anniversary IAC Exhibition: Cultural Olympiad 2001-2004, Athens, Greece
• Invitational International Ceramic Art Exposition, Foshan, China

2001

• The 1st World Biennale, Korea International Competition
• Peripheral Visions, Galerie le Vieux-Bourg, Lonay-pres-Morges, Switzerland

2000

• Earthworks, Expo 2000, Hanover, Germany

1999

• Gallery 78, Fredericton, NB/Colleen Lynch Gallery, St. Andrews, NB
• Solo Exhibition, New Brunswick College of Craft and Design Gallery, Fredericton, NB

1998

• Edward Day Gallery, Toronto, ON
• International Ceramic Exhibition, Cairo, Egypt
• Clayscapes, Solo Exhibition, Te Papa Museum, Wellington, Invitation of the Potters Society of New Zealand
• Between Here and There, Solo Exhibition, Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff

1997

• Seoul Ceramic Art Biennale, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Seoul, Korea

1996

• International Academy of Ceramics Exhibition, Fukaoka, Saga Pref., Japan
• Canadian Clay Currents, N.C.E.C.A., '96 Rochester, NY, USA

1995

• North by Northwest/Clay in Canada, N.C.E.C.A., '95 Minneapolis, MN, USA
• Tribute 15 Years of Alberta Craft, McMullen Gallery, Edmonton, AB
• Nordic Ode, Solo Exhibition, Banff Centre on 8th Avenue, Calgary

1994

• Bechyne International Ceramic Exhibition, Louny, Czech Republic

1992

• International Academy of Ceramics Exhibition, Istanbul, Turkey
• International Ceramic Exhibition Artists Union, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

1990

• International Ceramic Exhibition, Fine Arts Museum, Taipei, Taiwan

1989

• Kecskemet/Canada, International Ceramic Sculpture, Galerie Franklin Silverstone, Montreal, PQ
• 17th Sikos International Ceramic Symposium '89, Baranya Creative Colonies, Siklos, Hungary

1988

• Fired Imagination, Canadian/Australian Exchange Exhibition, Calgary/Sydney, Australia.

1987

• Canadian Fine Arts and Crafts, Commonwealth Exhibition Invitational, Vancouver, BC

1986

• Alberta Studio Ceramics III, Alberta Clay Comes of Age, Edmonton, AB
• Canadian National Clay Invitational, Paris Gibson Square, Great Falls, MT, USA

1985

• Cumberland Gallery, International Group Show, Nashville, TN, USA
• International Group Exhibition, Appalachian Centre for Crafts, Cooksville, TN, USA
• Soup Soup Beautiful Soup, Soup Tureens for The Campbell Soup Exhibit, Koffler Gallery, Toronto, ON
• A Measure of Success, Graduates of the Alberta College of Art, 1963-1984, Calgary, AB
• International Ceramics Exhibition, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taipei, Taiwan

1984

• National Porcelain Exhibition, Louisville, Kentucky, USA

1982

• Okanagan College Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Kelowna, BC
• Stoney Plain Multi-Cultural Centre, Solo Exhibition, Stoney Plain, AB

1980,

• Clayscapes, Solo Traveling Exhibition, 10 western Canadian cities

Collections

Les Manning's work is held in both private collections including:

• Alberta Foundation for the Arts Collection
• Alberta Culture
• Alberta Potters Association, Glenbow Museum
• Jean A. Chalmers National Craft Collection
• Canadian Museum of Civilization, Hull, PQ
• Peter and Jeanne Lougheed Collection
• The Tennessee State Arts Board Collection
• Siklos, Baranya Creative Colonies, Siklos, Hungary,
• Koffler Collection, North York, ON
• Massey Collection, Museum of Civilization, Ottawa, ON
• Pecs City Museum, Hungary
• The Appalachian Centre for Crafts Collection
• Aaron Milrad Collection, Toronto, ON
• The Claridge Collection, Montreal, PQ
• Bechyne International Symposiums Collection, Czech Republic
• The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff
• The Banff Centre for the Arts, Banff
• Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery
• Metropolitan Museum of Art, Seoul, Korea
• Fukaoka National Museum, Saga prefecture, Japan

Juror:

2002, Fraser Valley Potter's Guild, Annual Exhibition, B.C. 2000, Toronto Potter's 25th Anniversary Exhibition, Toronto, ON 1998, The Fourth Cairo International Ceramic Exhibition, Cairo, Egypt 1991, Cups, Alberta Potters Association 20th Anniversary Exhibition 1988, Third National Biennial of Ceramics, Trois-Rivières, PQ 1988-9, World University Service of Canada Scholarships Adjudicator 1986, South Slocan Craft Alliance Annual Juried Exhibition, National Art Centre, Castlegar, BC 1985, Canada Council, Chalmers Craft Awards 1985-6, Selection Committee, Bronfman Foundation Exhibition for the Museum of Civilization, ON 1985, Saskatchewan Craft Council, Provincial Craft Exhibition, SK 1984, "The Perfect Setting" Ontario Potters' Association, Toronto, ON 1976, National Ceramic Exhibition Calgary '76, Jury Chairman, Calgary, AB

       Alberta Culture Awards

1975, Canadian National Craft Exhibition

Symposiums:

2001

• Mexican Canadian Cultural Exchange, Part Two, Banff, AB

2000, Mexican Canadian Cultural Exchange, Part One, Puebla, Mexico 2000, White Mountain Academy of the Arts, Elliot Lake

       Medalta International Artists in Residence, Medicine Hat, AB
       Golden Ceramic Awards, Taiwan

1999, New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, Winter Semester, January through April 1997, Greek/Canadian Cultural Exchange Symposium, Athens and Crete, Part Two 1996, Greek/Canadian Cultural Exchange Symposium, Banff Centre for the Arts, Part One 1994, Bechnyne International Ceramic Symposium, Louny, Czech Republic 1992, International Ceramic Symposium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan 1989, 17th Siklos International Ceramic Symposium '89, Baranya Creative Colonies, Siklos, Hungary 1985, International Ceramic Symposium, Appalachian Centre for Crafts, Cooksville, Tennessee 1975-7, Participant, Alberta Ceramic Symposium, Red Deer and Edmonton, AB Lectures: 2002, "International Ceramic Residencies," Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Vancouver, BC

       "International Residencies," Foshan International Ceramics Conference, China

2001, "A Journey of the Ancient Qi-Lu Ceramics," opening international speaker, Zibo, China

       "To Measure the Unmeasurable," discussant, International Ceramic Symposium

1999, Keynote, New Brunswick College of Art and Design, Graduation, Fredericton, NB 1998, "Ceramic Interaction," George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, Toronto, ON

       "Insideout," George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, Toronto, ON

1997, "Canadian Ceramics," International Triennial of Small Ceramics, Zagreb, Croatia

Arts organizations

Les Manning has held positions in a variety of organizations including;

• Alberta Craft Council
• Alberta Potters' Association
• Canadian Craft Council
• National Council on the Education of Ceramic Arts, USA
• World Craft Council
• International Academy of Ceramics

Arts Advisor

Les Manning has held advisory positions with a number of organizations including;

• Advisory Board, National Council on the Education of Ceramic Arts, USA
• Ceramics, Art and Perception, Australia, International Ceramic Publication
• Zhujiajiao Art Center, Shanghai, China
• Jingdezhen Sanbao Ceramic Art Institute http://chinaclayart.com/

Publications about the artist

Work Featured in the Following Publications: Books: Ceramic Spectrum, Robin Hopper, Canada

         Ceramic Technology for Potters and Sculptors, Yvonne Cuff, Australia

Cuff, Yvonne Hutchinson Ceramic Technology for Potters and Sculptors

Forward: Made of Clay-Ceramics of British Columbia, publishers of the Potters Guild of British Columbia

Periodicals: 1982-95, Ceramic Monthly, USA (National) 1985-95, Contact, Ceramics from a Canadian Perspective (National)

               1995, Ceramics, Art and Perception, Australia (International)
               2002, Contemporary Ceramics, China (National)
                       Ceramic National, Korea (National)
                       Ceramic Review, Taiwan (National)
                       Ceramic Art, Taiwan (National)

Curatorial: 1998, "Insideout" - four installation works for the George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, Toronto, ON Workshops Conducted: Over 120 workshops and lectures throughout Canada, USA, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe Sabbatical Study: 1988-9, Australia, Thailand, China, Korea, Japan, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, Austria 1981-2, California, Greece, England Travel: Participation and study in ceramics in thirty-four countries worldwide Formal Education: 1962-66, Alberta College of Art, Calgary, AB, Ceramic Major

"New artists from different places are always coming to Banff, and their ideas tug us ahead," says Les Manning, an acclaimed ceramic artist and activist for the ceramic community at the provincial, national, and international level." (Thompson, Banff Centre, 53).

contemporary ceramic artist arts and culture consultant An abstracted vessel … of the Rocky Mountains … or is it the open prairies? … thrown and altered clays manipulated by the artist's mind … like land forms eroded by ice and water … river stones or distant landscape views … simultaneously massive and intimate …

Les Manning Ceramics "My work is strongly connected to the landscape; I find elements in these surroundings which I bring to the ceramic process, so that it becomes easily accessible to the viewer," says Manning. Les Manning interacts with the actual landscape, during his daily activities or when running, climbing, and cross-country skiing, increasing his awareness of light and scale.

By throwing cylinders as "working blanks," Manning alters conventional forms, inspired by the patterns of colored clay revealed by trimming. "On making these vessels, the main concept is to capture the larger space of the landscape and have it contained in the smaller space of the vessel," he says.

Sensitive to the dangers of illustration that is too literal, he adds, "The forms need to remain small and intimate, so as not to seem in competition with the environment." (Catherine Merrill. Studio Potter Network Newsletter, Autumn 1996).

After a period in Ontario, where the Alberta landscape continued to be strongly reflected in his work, Les has returned to Alberta to become Artistic Director for Medalta, a National Historic Site, in Medicine Hat. He retired from that position in 20xx

References

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