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! oe as 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. es Sioomaiatainieiejele alee RIeieIeIeleie} N