The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 52 No 2 July 2013
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Focus : Education<br />
Finding New Paths<br />
Jasmine Scheidler writes about changes at Lismore TAFE<br />
and John Stewart's contribution to its success<br />
Lismore TAFE is a very special place to me and not just because this is my current place <strong>of</strong> work. It<br />
embodies a much larger spirit than anyone story. For many, their time at TAFE will remain one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
most informative and incredible times <strong>of</strong> their lives. When I was 10, I used to visit my father who was<br />
studying at Lismore TAFE on a regular basis. I'd waltz into the studio, check out the amazing projects<br />
being made, insist I was starving and needed $2 to buy hot chips, and Dad would happily give me the<br />
money so as not to compromise any <strong>of</strong> his precious time at TAFE with my distracting presence. In my<br />
mind, his time studying at TAFE was perhaps the happiest time in his life. Given the chance to learn and<br />
express himself, he was encouraged to grow and meet his potential as an individual. And his story is not<br />
unusual.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Arts Department at Lismore TAFE is just one <strong>of</strong> the many institutions facing possible closure<br />
in the coming year. In 2012 the State Government decreed that all Visual Art and <strong>Ceramics</strong> courses<br />
would no longer attract public funding, and would need to become fully commercial to survive. TAFE<br />
was previously a safe haven for many people from all walks <strong>of</strong> life, welcoming students from diverse<br />
socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, giving them a chance to function better on an everyday basis<br />
and providing the foundation for people to move forvvard confidently into the future. It was also the<br />
birthplace for an incredible range <strong>of</strong> artists. Lismore TAFE was central to the arts/ceramic scene on the<br />
<strong>No</strong>rth Coast so the loss <strong>of</strong> the Arts Faculty is a real blow, not only to individuals but also to the wider<br />
community which has benefited so much from this rich incubation centre. <strong>The</strong> graduates kept the area<br />
1 Gwanji Monks<br />
CeramiCS teacher<br />
Photo: Stuart Hayes<br />
2 Suvira McDonald<br />
Emerald M ountain<br />
Former student<br />
Photo: courtesy artist<br />
3 Avital Sheffer<br />
Tum ulus VIII<br />
Former student<br />
Photo: David Young<br />
THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS JULY <strong>2013</strong> 37
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