Fired Up! Contemporary Works in Clay ay cindy Gibson

‘The Fired Up! Contemporary Works in Clay 27th annual exhibition
Axis of Art in Metchosin May 26 to 29 was all about the relationships
at work when a piece of ceramic art is made and sold. This “axis” has
art at the pivot point, with the artist, gallery and collector connected
to each other via the art. In attendance to illustrate this concept were
Jonathon Bancroft-Snell and Brian Cooke of London, Ont.’s Jonathon
Bancroft-Snell Gallery.

Jonathon and Brian selected pieces from the impressive variety of
their Canada-wide stable of gallery artists to compliment the gallery-
style group display of Fired Up! members’ work. Fired Up! artists also
had their own individual displays.

I initially found it disappointing that some guest artists were
represented by only one or two pieces. One can only imagine the
logistics of mounting a short-run show with pieces from the far
reaches of the country, into a space that is not usually an art gallery—a
daunting job. In an ideal world there would have been more, and each
would have had its own plinth and better signage.

Nevertheless, it was great to see works from old favourites and to
discover a few people whose work I was not familiar with. It took time
and contemplation to appreciate all there was to see.

Some of my favourites: ] particularly enjoyed the delicate porcelain
of Enid Legros-Wise, the gestural expressive pieces by Reed Weir, and
the complex yet simple tactile work of Audrey Killoran.

Alain Bonneau and Denise Goyer were represented by several flawless
pieces. I was thrilled to see Pea Soup. 1 first saw this rocking soup
tureen (from its original casting) as an art student in 1979. Its appeal is
timeless, and this limited (40) edition re-issue of their modern classic
design was a huge success at Fired Up! where eight were sold. There
are only four left at $2000 and five at $2500 (yes, each). The prices
increase as the number of available pieces dwindles. This is the ‘Axis
of Art in action.

‘The axis concept relied on the personality of Jonathon Bancroft-
Snell to bring it to life.

He did not disappoint. Jonathon exudes enthusiasm about ceramics.
Engaging individuals or small groups in conversation about the
pieces, he elaborated on the messages he is so passionate about. Some
highlights:

* A healthy symbiotic relationship between the ‘creator’ (artist), the

‘connector (gallery) and the ‘collector’ (buyer) is vital to the making

=

Jonathon Bancroft-Snell, gallery owner and ceramic art activist.

French Pea Soup, tureen by Denise Goyer and Alain Bonneau.

of art. Without buyers willing to pay a living wage to artists, no (or
very little) art will be made.

* Education is key. Jonathon clearly understands the differences in
time required for production work and gallery one-of-a-kind pieces.
He calls them “sketches and masterworks”. The sketch (i.e. a mug)
helps put the worth of a major work (gallery piece) into perspective.
What separates the two in price is not quality, but time. An educated

buyer is a happy buyer.

* He also understands the issues facing artists in pricing work.
Without promotion, prices stay low. A good gallery will put effort

Continued on Page 10, Promoting an artist

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of BRITISH
COLUMBIA Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - August 2011 9