Vol. XX, No. 10. 
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 
February 1919 
EGIN'NERS in the decoration of 
ceramics must not forget that we 
have a correspondence depart- 
ment and all questions in connec- 
tion with the work will gladly be 
answered in the column devoted to 
that purpose. Ask as many ques- 
tions as you wish and as often 
as you wish. 
We are beginning to hear of 
arrivals of shipments of china for decoration, and we are 
looking forward to seeing many names of old subscribers 
return to our lists. We are receiving new names constantly 
and hope that each and every one will do all they can to 
help refill the ranks so that Keramic Studio can return 
to its pre-war size and be able to carry out its many plans 
for the new and helpful features. We are arranging for 
several articles of design by Mr. Albert Heckman, not only 
applicable to ceramics but to other crafts. And we expect 
to begin in the March issue monthly competitions in de- 
sign based on photographs of fine craftswork in the Metro- 
politan Museum. Other features are simply awaiting the 
return of our old friends to support the expense of an 
enlarged Keramic Studio — so that we may have space 
enough for all we wish to do. Everything points to a 
great revival in all things pertaining to art and we are 
ambitious to make Keramic Studio in every way equal to 
the occasion — leading the way, as it has for nearly nine- 
teen years and giving a helping hand to all who are striving 
for higher ideals in ceramic decoration. 
We would like to add instructive articles on crafts 
which are closely allied to ceramics, crafts which can be 
applied to the home and home-making. A dining room 
where the same or related motifs and color schemes are 
carried out in china, linen, hangings, wall decorations and 
furniture, would be a charming spot in which to live and 
enjoy one's friends, and if one could also trace the motif 
in the silver and metal work, tiles, etc., there would be 
an endless succession of delightful surprises and a satis- 
faction to be obtained in no other way than in the knowl- 
edge of a work of art complete in every detail. The trouble 
with many of our decorators is that they lack the funda- 
mentals of art knowledge and technique, and so can not 
turn their hand to any line of crafts work that may appeal 
to them. Study the fundamentals, principles of design and 
drawing. 
THE NEW YEAR 
Henrietta Barclay Paist, Ass't Editor 
"^J OW that the uncertainties and the abnormal demands 
*• ^1 of war are becoming a thing of the past, the year 
just begun should and does promise a revival of the sane, 
wholesome and aesthetic pursuits — on a small scale to be 
sure — but there are indications already that people are re- 
turning to the old pursuits and the demand has begun for 
constructive work along art lines. 
The flood of money which was let loose during the holi- 
days indicated a feeling of confidence as well as a sufficient 
supply of that commodity. A number of new registrants 
for the study of design denotes a revival of interest and 
of leisure for the prosecution of art work, and altogether 
1919 promises returns for a period of diverted interests. 
There is always more of enthusiasm after a period of rest, 
and more of appreciation after a period of self-denial. If, 
as has been said, we have to sojourn in Hade'.* awhile in 
order to appreciate Heaven, the world ought to be ready 
to usher in the new Jerusalem. 
After the most stupendous struggle in all history, to con- 
quer the material point of view, the world will appreciate 
more than ever before the things which cultivate and 
develop the spiritual life — and the conscious demand for 
the beautiful will be one of the evidences of this awakening 
during the period of reconstruction. 
The world has emerged from the stage of theorizing to 
one of action. Principles are recognized and put into prac- 
tice which have always been considered impractical. The 
world of Ideas and Ideals is seen to be the world of Cause, 
and only insofar as our ideals are right, will the world 
of Effect be harmonious. 
To make the world safe for Democracy, Democracy must 
first be made both ideal and practicable, and if any one 
still thinks that Art and good citizenship are not of the 
same world and can be made to flourish separately, the 
lesson of the war is not yet learned. From now on the tune 
to which civilization must march is not a National, but an 
International air. 
Art is not a highway or a mountain trail leading to a 
snowcapped summit It is the sympathetic nervous system 
of the social body, which sensitizes and lifts it above the 
grosser demands of appetites and desires. It opens the eyes, 
warms the heart and imparts to the mind that point of view 
which will make the world not only safe but happy — and 
life worth living. 
Then let us "paint and sing and carve," not only for "the 
joy of the working" but as a means to an end— and that 
end the elevation and refinement of the human race. Are 
the returns small? Is it not something to feel one's self 
a part of the "leaven" which is hid in the human "measure 
of meal" for the purpose of elevating the human point of 
view — the human ideals, which will make the words 
Brotherhood and Democracy something more than a name 
and a mockery? 
H K 
ART NOTES 
The New Year's Eve revel, inaugurated last year by the 
Minneapolis Institute of Art, was repeated this year with 
delightful success, and ushered in the new year in true 
festive spirit combined with real artistry. 
During December, the Minneapolis Institute of Art 
housed an exhibit of unusual interest and merit from the 
Vose Galleries of Boston, to which people, released from 
the tension of war's demands, turned for relaxation and 
inspiration. The exhibit was representative of the best, 
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