GALLERY FOR ORGANICALLY FIRED CERAMICS

Niwa, Chinese for ‘mud girl’ or female
polier, 3 an innovative gallery in Vanoou-
ver, solely devoted to ceramics produced
by local artists who use organic linng
techniques such as wood, salt
(soda), raku and pat firing. It
was conceived and is operated
by potter Yi-Wer Wang, who
has expenenced first hand the
difficulty of selling wood-fired
pots at craft fairs. She explains
“| tned a couple of craft fairs
but mone of them had good
results. The general public
doesn't understand the process of wood
linng.” Wang believes to raise the profile
of local ceramists practicing organic fir-
ing, & professional and reputable venue
was needed where organically fired ce-
ramics could be seen together, It could
also give a place where cenamists could be
represented as a highly specialized, col-
lective group of talented artists.

Admiring these types of ceramic works in
the cantext of a cohesive collection en-
hances their beauty, which lies in the un-
controllable nature of their finng. A de-
gree of randomness affects every firing,

Niwa Gallery
resulting im pleces thal are one-of-a-kind,
each with its own personality and quality,
To educate the public about organic finng
and to promote ifs intrinsic qualities, Niwa
exhibits a large range of
works in close proximily lo
each other to give people
the opportunity to see the
subtle dilferenoes between
them. Quality, onginality,
a Well-developed personal
style, and technical com-
petence are emphasized
when artists are evaluated
foracceptance, Both functional and sculp-
tural preces are featured, and each month,
a different artist is highlighted, Currently,
over 30 artists from Bntsh Columbia are
represenied, including: Cathi Jefferson,
Lynne Johnson, Connie Glover, Mas Puno,
Marlene Bowman and Denys James. An
expenenced and knowledgeable team of
gallery assistants staffs Niwa,

Look for Niwa's ad in Preview magazine
listing exhibition informanon and monthly
artist highlights. Call for details on sub-
mission procedures and requirements,

Niwa Ceramic Gallery Ltd,
#120-1 East Conbova Street
Vancourer, B.C.

tel: 604.681.6417

fax: 604.922. 54596

Yi-Wei Wang, owner

GUILD WORKSHOPS AND SOCIAL CALENDAR 2000

Raku kiln building, Barbecue and
You Too Can Raku

Sunday October 1 11:00

behind the Guild on Granville Island
Fee: $10.00 but pre-registration is neces-
sary; space is limited

Ronda green demonstrates how to build a
Raku kiln. The Guild will supply a salmon
and the members are asked to bring salads,
goodies and bisque pots to fire.

Cathi Jefferson Workshop
Out of the Round

Friday Oct 20 and Saturday Oct 71
Slides at 19:00 on Friday night at Emily
Carr Institute. Workshop is 10:00 to 16:00
on Saturday,

Ree: workshops and slides $35.00 formem-
bers and $40.00 for non members, slides
only $5.00 open to the public

Cathi throws and alters her forms. She
then fires them ina salt/soda kiln that gives
therm a very visually tactile quality,

8

How Do They Do That?
Christmas Decorations & Ornaments
Made of Clay
Thursday November 23 19:00
Free
Three local ceramic artists will demon-
strate how they create their favourite Christ-
mas decorations. Non-alcoholic eggnog

and goodies will be served.

Guild Christmas Party
Saturday December 2

Gallery of BC Ceramics

A social evening to celebrate the expan-
sion of the Gallery and to introduce our
new Gallery Manager Kimcha Rajkumar.
Members receive 25% off anything in the
store, Great food and good frends.

Made of Clay at Christmas
December 1-3

Roundhouse, False Creek North
See page 3 for details

Potters Guild of British Columbia

More details

The details of these events will be continu-
ously updated in the newsletter. You can
also contact either Maggi Kinneer or Jim
Stamper, We look forward to your feed
back and sugpestions.

Registration

Make cheques for workshops out to the
Potters Guild of BC and send or deliver to
the Guild office. Clearly mark both the
cheque and envelope with the name ol the
workshop.

Thank you.

Jim Stamper

Sept 2000