Blog Update Been in Bergen 24 February 2011 I’ve been in Bergen for quite a few weeks, running a course - <i>Print as Object - </i>for the <a href="http://www.khib.no/khib_en">Bergen National Academy of the Arts (KHIB)</a>. This extended version of my <i><a href="http://www.cumbrianblues.com/workshops.html">Vitrified Print </a></i>courses features time spent in both the Ceramics and Graphics/Printmaking workshops, exploring basic and more advanced transfer technologies, including mono, relief, intaglio, lithographic and screen printing. It also presented an historical and conceptual overview of the field. The interesting thing about an extended workshop time exploring skills, concepts and technologies was that it raised awareness of the need for more knowledge and understanding of inks, paperclay processes, the role of acrylic mediums - and more. The field of printed ceramics is relatively young in terms of artistic exploration and use, and it is clear that there is much to be investigated - visually, conceptually and materially. As more specialised material disciplines become part of wider Fine Art/Design Departments in Universities, the syntheses of areas of study will surely lead to other innovative material and conceptual investigations.... I’ve also been collecting objects and doing research for new work to be included in the exhibition <i><a href="http://www.kunstmuseene.no/default.asp?side=kalender&art=1144&enhet=kunstindustri&sp=2">Upcycling</a></i> in the autumn at <a href="http://www.kunstmuseene.no/default.asp?enhet=kunstindustri&kat=252&sp=2">The West Norway Museum of Decorative Art</a>. The exhibition is linked to <i><a href="http://www.k-verdi.no/english/home.html">Art Value</a></i><a href="http://www.k-verdi.no/english/home.html"> </a>- <i>A Research Project on Trash and Readymades, Art and Ceramics</i> - part of the research programme on Assigning Cultural Values (KULVER), the Research Council of Norway's programme for cultural research for the period 2008 to 2012.