o

Objects of desire, Contd from Page 11

overflowing with food and other objects of desire. As if this were not
sufficient, she teamed up with a photographer, who, concentrating
on the expressions, gestures and glances stealing between figures,
introduces narrative and cinematographic elements in the form of
large colour photographs on the walls surrounding the work (see The
Slip photo, previous page). The installation is truly impressive and
worth a trip to the BAM in and of itself.

Another amazing work is Nathan Craven's Kosmeo Wall (see photo
on the cover), which consists of many hundreds of hollow extruded
elements stacked within a rectangle cut into the wall. The extrusions
assume a limited number of shapes, but these are multiplied by
compression or manipulation into other shapes. Each is highly
articulated, with a complex perimeter resembling bones, diatoms or
other sea creatures. The ends are glazed in soft colours, increasing the
overall appearance of complexity. Light striking one side of the wall
highlights the shapes and surfaces. Filtering through the hollows, it
creates bursts of star-like patterns on a dark wall beyond. In Craven's
work, the components “function as both decoration and as structure,”
creating architecture that “actually grows from decoration.” The effect
is mesmerizing, a meditation on nature, structure, light and pattern,
made all the more impressive by simplicity and repetition.

Tt would have been nice to see more functional work included, but
one wonders if the modesty and straightforwardness of functional work
is overshadowed by more showy and clearly “blockbuster” submissions.
Kevin Snipes presents lovely hand-built porcelain vases decorated with
wonderfully animated figures scratched into the clay. The extremities
of hair and feet project out from the edges, moving the eye around the
form, and surfaces are rich and expertly designed. Robert Fornell, who
has travelled extensively in Japan, throws traditional tea bowls, which he
single- or multi-fires with a variety of ash glazes. Damian Grava wood
fires large plate and globe forms, luxuriating in the colours, crackles

Submissions for the
December 2010

and markings generated by flame moving across the work. One of the
most interesting functional ceramists, Gwendolyn Yoppolo, produces
soft, pneumatic forms including spoons, mortar and pestles and two-
person bowls. Calling her work Visionary Dysrhythmia, she explores
metaphorical implications of function: a sieve becomes “a signifier
of our own internal processes of holding things in and letting other
things pass through; a plate or bowl for two “becomes a metaphor for
the way the act of eating together creates a unified experience.” Clearly,
she operates in the realm of the conceptual, as many of her works
are covered with rather toxic-looking crystalline glazes, pairing shiny
and matte, pastel and colourful surfaces to create quite luscious works.
‘That she uses her exceptional skill to address functional ceramics and
their engagement of the body is intriguing.

In such a large and diverse exhibition, it is impossible to comment
on every work. More documentation, either in the form of a catalogue
or material on the web, would be most welcomed. Photographs are
not permitted, and it is difficult to recall the many details presented
in the artist statements and labels. The tour given by Stefano Catalani
was extremely informative and went a long ways towards making
the artists’ intentions available to us, but not all visitors have that
advantage. Some artists seem to be included based on their seniority
and significance to the local community, as their work did not appear
to be made specifically for this show. While this is a bit disappointing,
it is still a good opportunity to see the signature works of senior artists.
All work on view was of high quality, and collectively, the individual
works manifest the immense diversity available to the ceramic artist.
We are extremely fortunate to have such a compelling and thoughtful
showing on our doorstep. Clay Throwdown! will be at the BAM until
Jan. 16, 2011, and it is well-worth anyone's effort to take it in.

Note: All quotations are from published artist statements available at the
exhibition. ‘The Bellevue Arts Museum is located at 510 Bellevue Way NE,
Bellevue, WA. 98004 (425.519.0770) www.bellevuearts.org.

Crackerjack 2010

Craft sale, Nov. 12 to 14, West Vancouver

PGBC newsletter

Please get your articles and ads in to
Melany by November 20 at the latest
for the December 1 newsletter. If you
submit your material after that date,
it may have to wait till next month's
newsletter. Submissions can be sent to
editor@bcpotters.com.

PLEASE NOTE:
There is no newsletter in January.
The next newsletters will be published
Feb. 1 and Mar. 1, 2011.

This beautiful show will highlight and
sell many locally hand-made and unique
decorations, prints, cards, ceramics, hand
woven pieces, etc,

The sale will feature many returning
craftspeople and artists such as Leslie
McGuffin (fine art), Celia Pickles (prints
and. decorations), Heather Aston (prints),
Kaija Rautainien (tapestry weaving),
Lemonpark (jewellery), Carolyn Bruce
(decorations), Jill Allan (glass) and Jinny
Whitehead (ceramics). Among the many
new faces at this year’s show will be Heather
Cairns (ceramics), Paula Grasdal (prints),
Catherine

Mary Bentley (weaving),

Nicholls (textiles), Deb Dumka (textiles),
Patsy Kolesar (jewellery) and Gloria Shaw
(prints).

Please come to a meet the artists
Reception on Fri., Nov. 12; 7 to 9 p.m.

Regular sale dates:
Sat., Nov. 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 14, 12 noon to 4 p.m.

The Music Box, 1654 Argyle Avenue, (on
the waterfront in West Vancouver)

Time to start shopping for the Festive

Season! For more information email

crackerjack10@shaw.ca

GUILD ee
of BRITISH

COLUMBIA
a

Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - November 2010

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