Element: An Exhibition of 5 B.C. Potters
at The Gallery of BC Ceramics

by

Alcvin Ramos

In 2003, Sandra and her husband, shakuhachi player Alcvin
Ramos, began brainstorming for the next year’s Asian Heritage
Month pottery exhibition. They came up with a concept based
on the 5 Elements of Taoist philosophy: earth, fire, wood, metal,
and water. Sandra had always wanted to have a show with her
teachers Mas Funo and Sam Kwan and with her colleague
Priscilla Chan; and this was a way of bringing it together.
Recently she met traditional Korean potter, Clay Jung Hong
Kim, who just immigrated from Korea. Their first meeting was
very positive and he seemed like a great addition to the exhibi-
tion. Since there were 5 elements, the 5 people fit perfectly into
the scheme of things.

The aim of the show is to highlight each of the artists’ individual
styles as well as to complement each other. Sandra decided on
Fire since it was her favourite element. "I am mesmerized by fire:
the way it flows all around the kiln and in and out of pots. It is
so breathtaking to see something so beautiful and alive. I want to
capture the calmness, excitement, and movement and all con-
suming energy of the fire in my pieces.”

Mas Funo's work often has a metallic quality so she thought that
element would suit him. "If metal has an influence on the devel-
opment of form, it has a more direct part to play in the content.
In clay it gives us colour, and in colour we have infinite variation
and nuance, the modulation of which gives feeling to the piece.”

Sam Kwan is so down to Earth and loves the substance of clay
very much. "The opportunity to utilize and transform clay born
of earth instils a sense of personal reflection and reverence for its
origins.”

Priscilla Chan was interested in pursuing her style and growing as
an artist; and since Wood represents growth it seemed like an
appropriate match for her. "Wood represents green, growth and
function in the circle of 1 ife.”

Sandra didn't have anyone in mind for water and then Mr. Kim
flowed into the picture. She first heard through the ceramic grape
vine of a Korean potter who arrived in BC 2 years ago from
Korea. So, Sandra and Al decided to visit him. When they met
him for the first time and spoke with him there was an instant
rapport. He spoke of his love for celadon glaze (bluish green
glaze) as well as his love for fish and bodies of water. T here it was-
--the Water element. "Water is soft but can erode the strongest
mountain. It is elusive yet nourishes all life. It relaxes and nour-
ishes me.”

Although the theme of this exhibition is based on the 5 elements
of Taoist philosophy, each of the artists will interpret each ele-
ment according to his or her own personal way, not being bound
strictly to the "Oriental" perception. Each artist has different
backgrounds and styles from traditional to contemporary; influ-
ences western and eastern, and a mixture of both.

May 2004

Potters Guild of British Columbia Newsletter

Through Element, Ramos wishes to connect with all the people
who have influenced her in the clay world. It will be a story of the
ever-growing influence that Asian arts and artists have had on the
fabric of the BC landscape.

The exhibition, which is a part of the Asian Heritage Month fes-
tivities will run from May 6 ‘til May 31, 2004. On the opening
night, May 6, Alcvin Ramos (shakuhachi) and Brett Larner
(koto) will play a selection of traditional and modern Japanese
and original pieces for shakuhachi and koto. 6 PM-8 PM.
Everyone is welcome!

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FIRED UP

20TH ANNIVERSARY
SHOW AND SALE

Ceramic Works by: Meg Burgess,
Alan Burgess, Susan _ Delatour
LePoidevin, Sue Hara, Gordon
Hutchens, Cathi Jefferson, Glenys
Marshall-Inman, Meira Matheson,
Laurie Rolland, Kinichi Shigeno, and
Pat Webber

Plus special guests:
Connie Glover
Deb Taylor
Sam Kwan

THEME
“CELEBRATING OUR
TWENTY YEAR HISTORY”

Featuring work of former Fired Up
members
May 29 and 30, 10am-5pm
METCHOSIN HALL (corner of

Metchosin and Happy Valley Roads)
VICTORIA B.C.
Contact (250) 642-5555 for more info.

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