Last April I was awarded the Jumpstart
Scholarship from the North-West Ceramic
Foundation. For me this provided finan-
cial support as well as.creative encourage-
ment. | seized the opportunity to pursue
follow-up studies in ceramics at the Emily
Carr Institute of Arcand Design (ECIAD).
Follow-up, thatis, to my degree in sculp-
ture, ceramics and fibre trom
Concordia University in Montreal,
Studying at RCLAD offered mea
chance to investigate some of the
questions that had arisen since gay
finishing my degree in 1995. Up faa
until a year ago all my work in
clay had been handbuill. One
question I had was the potential
relevance of throwing to my proc-
est, | alse had questions regarding
surtace and the related arenas of pat-
term and omamentalion,

Liried, while learning basic throwing skills,
to learn the characteristics of thrown clay.
J was, and still am, amazed at the sirengih
of the thrown piece and its capacity for
moving and stretching. Along with this

A special thanks this month to Corinne
Null ane John Hesselberth for their tips in
the April newsletter, | lowe tips columns!
It’s usually the first thing I read when we
get anew gardening magazine. I like to
read people's creative solutions to those
little difficulties we-all encounter, Don’t
be shy: let us know your favounte solu-
tions and work-savers. Even if you think
everyone knows about it; they probably
don't or have forgotten and would like a
reminder.

Last month [ wrote a bit of a review of the
1998/99 fiscal year. This time I'd like to
give a general look forward at some direc-
tions we are thinking about for the coming
year. ] will be able to be more specific once
the new Board has met and we have had a
chance to evaluate our possibilities.

While we continue to focus on book sales
a8 a priority, Our on-going programs will
again occupy the Board for the fall and
winter. We will be continging our mem-
bership drive and collaborations on wark-
shops with other groups and institutions.
The Communications Committee will be
working to improve the mewsletter i a
meaningful forum for dialogue among

May 1999

TESSA WINDT

was the discovery of ils potemtial wo ex-
press volume. [n fact, it quickly became
apparent that throwing ts a vital compo-
nent to the handbuilt forms [am interested
in. The vocabularies of throwing and vel

ume have become pariners in my concep:
tion of form. Exploring this has turned into
an exiravaganza,

CORNER CHAIR

guild members, We will also be onganiz-
ing more social events from time to time.
Also planned is a fall Made of Clay sale at
the Roundhouse Centre in downtown Van-
couver, In association with the sale we are
planning another Lottery for Pottery
fundraiser.

Perhaps the biggest challenge will be the
completion of renovations to the Gallery
of BC Ceramics. We feel itis important te
achieve a measure of self-sufficiency
through the Gallery, which should be a
primary source of subsidy for the Guild.
Completing the renovation and giving the
shop and exhibition space a new look plus
hawe Jane able to spend more tine concen-
trating on the Gallery should help improve
the sales picture and push us nearer the
goal of $250,000 in gross sales that we set
back in 1994. Completing the renovation
is imperative io make more effective use
of the space we have and also to give the
exhibit space a more independent focus.
For more specific plans, do drop by the
Gallery to see the bluepnnt. As a part of
the overall plan our upstairs mecting room!
lounge and library will become a much
mare accessible and comfortable mecting

At the same time, | have focussed on cone
10 clay and glazes fired th oxidation, try-
ing to develop a sease of ornamentation
evolving from form te surface. In order to
strengthen this connection, | have tried to
build up a palate of colours and surfaces
with depth and richness.

Clearly the time at ECIAD has been
extremely beneficial. The input and
instruction af Paul Mathieu and Joan
Bruneau have had a tremendous
impact on me, And | could never
say enough about the studio mates
1 have been 50 lucky to have.
I'm sure [ leartieel more from
keeping my eyes open and blink-
ing in amazement everyday than
I'll ever know.

An exhibition of my new work will
open May § atthe Gallery of BC Ceram-
ics and continue to June 3. [ look forward
to meeting you there.

Tessa Winat

place for members.

As you can see the Board of Directors will
have its hands full and aloof demand will
be placed on personal time and energy. If
you or any other member would like to
contibute some time and get involved on
acommittee, do let us know. You are more
than welcome.

Ron Wallis President

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Made of Clay Exhibit. & Sale I
North-West Ceramic Foundation Z
Gallery News m4
Gallery exhibition: Tessa Windt 3
Commer Chair 3
Guild News 4&5
Made of Clay Book Sales 4
Call a Board Member? 4
Membership 5
Workshops 6&7
Project Empty Bowl 6
Around the Province T
Unclassified &
Call for Entries &

3