Transitions on a Still-Life: Carol E Mayer on Tam Irving

ABOUT TRANSITIONS OF A STILL LIFE: Tam Irving, ceramic artist, has lived in British Columbia for
the past 50 years and, during this time, he has been at the heart of the changing social, political and cultural
relationships that have informed the development of studio ceramics in this province. This beautifully
illustrated book examines Tam’s craft as a unique cultural activity: one that combines both art and science to
express the subtle content and sensuous tactility of vessel and sculpture. The core of the publication is about
recording excellence and providing a stimulating legacy document for future scholars, artists and researchers.
This book will recognize the contributions that Irving has made to the development of the ceramic medium
within the province and to the larger Canadian and international ceramic community.

ABOUT CAROL E. MAYER: Carol E. Mayer is Senior Curator at the Museum of Anthropology, University
of British Columbia, where she ts responsible for the world-wide collection of ceramics. She was awarded
the National Award for Outstanding Achievement by the Canadian Museums Association for her research
and curating of the permanent exhibition of European ceramics at the UBC Museum of Anthropology. She
has contributed to books such as The Potter’s Art, Made of Clay, and Hot Clay. Mayer was a co-founder of
the Northwest Ceramics Foundation (NWCPF), served as its first president and continues to serve as a board
member. In 2005, her support for the makers of ceramics, particularly in British Columbia, was recognized
by a Lifettme Membership Award from the Potters Guild of British Columbaa.

MORE ABOUT TAM IRVING: Tam Irving is one of the leading ceramic artists in Canada. He has
practiced in British Columbia for more than 40 years, where he has worked as a sculptor, studio potter,
ceramic artist and teacher. This book is about his rich and diverse body of work. After early experimentation
with sculpture, he turned his attention to creating wheel-thrown wares intended for household use. Subtle
glazes made from local materials became a signature of his work. In the mid 1990s he began a series of still-
life compositions. These referenced still-life paintings, performance and architecture. His latest works are part
vessel, part sculpture, part abstraction, provocative in their flamboyancy, and indicative of his new interest in
the use of vibrant colour. Tam Irving lives and works in West Vancouver.

Transitions of a Still Life: The Ceramic Work of Tam Irving * Non-fiction/ Art/ Ceramics * 9.75 X 9

INCHES ¢ $45/cloth; $32.95/paper * 176 pp * Publication date (in store date): July 1, 200704

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