A Year in the Life: Clary Illian (DVD)

Format: DVD
Run Time: 24 minutes
Studio: Atom Burke Productions (2010)
Language: English
Dimensions: 7.5" x 5.4" x 0.6"
Shipping Weight: 0.22 lbs.

A YEAR IN THE LIFE: Clary Illian is the first work of its kind: a discussion with Ms. Illian about her work and life and includes a slideshow with 166 slides taken by Clary Illian.

Born in Sioux City and raised in Cedar Rapids, Ms. Illian's entire career has flourished in small-town Iowa.

She apprenticed with pottery legend Bernard Leach after college in 1964-65 and is recognized for her dedication to her craft and philosophy of art.

In 1999 she published A Potter's Workbook (U of Iowa Press) which became a widely-taught text for potter's around the world.

The 24-minute video was named the 2010 Best Documentary (Pro Category) at the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, it tells the story of Ms. Illian's semi-retirement from a life of pottery.

Also on the DVD:

• Over 150 slides of Clary Illian's work in a slideshow
• Life in Clay: Clary Illian (2010, 8:30). Further interview segments and extended sequences with Clary Illian
• Interview with Arkansas potter Beth Lambert, a former apprentice of Clary's
• Interview with Iowa potter Bill Robbins, naturalist and potter friend of Clary's

Accolades

Winner, Best Documentary, Professional Category, 2010 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival

"Clary Illian is a national treasure. Her work is a link between the Leach tradition in British pottery and contemporary studio ceramics in the US. I have known and admired her for 30 years. 'A YEAR IN THE LIFE' is a thoughtful documentary about a thoughtful person. This movie portrays a true artist who has lived her life on her own terms."
- Cary Esser, Professor & Chair of Ceramics, Kansas City Art Institute

"Your documentary is a perfect compliment to Clary's life and art. It's warm and generous in that unassuming way that characterizes her pottery (as well as her personality). In this world of virtual reality and social networking, Clary Illian is proof positive that a potter can be the cornerstone of an actual community. It's inspirational to see her reflect on leaving 24 years of her life behind to start the next phase of her life."
- Garth Johnson, extremecraft.com

"I love it. I think you did a great job telling Clary's story...She is an amazing woman and I think that comes through in the film. I really think it has some important messages for potters/artists. She's always been a great inspiration to me and this makes it even more so."
- Ron Philbeck, ronphilbeckpottery.com

"Thanks for documenting one of the world's most articulate and under-appreciated artists."
- Mark Rossier, markrossierpottery.com