This much I know
Matt Thompson, Technician Demonstrator in Ceramics On life, work and play
Who are you?
I’m a Technical Demonstrator in the Ceramics area of CSAD. My role oversees the clay, glaze and kiln workshop areas. This involves demonstrations to students, carrying out maintenance, providing technical support, and implementing health and safety. In my time away from CSAD, I am a member of Fireworks Clay Studios, where I design and make ceramic tableware. I’m also a dad, a keen cyclist and enjoy the outdoors. If there’s also an opportunity to watch a good film, I’ll take it!
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever been given. There was a wall hanging in my Grandmother’s kitchen that read, ‘Yesterday is dead, forget it. Tomorrow does not exist, don’t worry. Today is here, use it.’
Name one of your heroes and tell us What’s a typical day at CSAD like for why. you? A typical day can consist of regular tasks, such as kiln firings, technical tutorials and the re-stocking of materials. We demonstrate a range of processes and equipment through student inductions, where groups can gain experience and become competent in a particular area, such as raku firing or glaze application, which will help enrich their practice and experience. Each day is also very diverse, where I encounter a lot of problem solving, particularly the trials and errors of glaze recipes! A day often involves plenty of thinking on your feet and great conversations with students and staff!
What do you like most about your job?
It’s pleasing to see a happy student reaction when revealing their work from a kiln, after months of material testing. The nature of ceramics can pose many dilemmas, although these are often balanced with successful outcomes. Working with students to help develop their technical practice is a rewarding part of the job.
What is your favourite piece of art/ design/making/architecture?
Art: Antony Caro with his table piece sculptures - I really admired these from his 2005 retrospective at Tate Britain. Design: Bicycle Design. A meeting of form and function that’s constantly evolving with technology, but still remains somewhat pure and quite primitive. Making: John Maltby’s ceramics. They have a gentle boldness about them. Earthy and gestural qualities that depict life and landscape. Architecture: Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (often known as the Duomo), the cathedral church of Florence, Italy. I visited this space during my time as a student and was amazed by its vastness.
Is there a book that has had an impact on your life in some way?
That’s a difficult question. They haven’t really made an impact on my life particularly, but George Orwell’s 1984 and Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger are books that stand out. The Potter’s Dictionary is one I refer to on a daily basis at work! At home, I enjoy reading autobiographies and travel writing.
Five records for a desert island?
It would be nice to have a few more! I think these tracks would be on my iPod in no particular order, a mixture of old and new music that I like: • The Man Comes Around - Johnny Cash • Separator - Radiohead • Wish List - Pearl Jam • People are Strange - The Doors • News from Verona - Portico Quartet
Eddie Izzard – His sense of humour really appeals to me. He takes all sorts of historical references and common situations, conjuring them up into something quite hilarious. He has a really clever, creative mind and I admire his hard work. From stand up comedy, he has evolved into an accomplished actor and campaigner.
Name one of your villains and tell us why. Anton Chigurh – A character played by Javier Bardem in the Cohen Brothers’ film, No Country For Old Men. He decides the fate of others by flipping a coin, an unstoppable menace who creates suspense throughout and continues on his path towards the end credits. An Oscar winning performance by Bardem.
What’s the best thing about working for CSAD?
There are many highlights to working at CSAD. The shows for our BA and MA students are our busiest times of the year, but the most fulfilling. It is often the starting point for many students who go on to great things. The work is still evolving right up to the deadline and seeing the students come together as individual artists, makers and designers in one space is really satisfying. The staff team are a very supportive, hard working group, with everyone’s efforts combining in success at the end of each term. •