President’s Message

Yup, it had to happen. The weather has indeed changed. That does
make it easier to be in the studio, near those nice little space heaters.
I wish I could be there but, alas, presidential duties have kept me
away from the wheel. Things are a little in flux with the beginning
of Brenda's maternity leave and the search for an interim gallery
manager. It is so important to find the right fit for this position and
finding that person has been challenging. I am so pleased to say that
we feel we have found that person in Laura Carey. She has spent
some time with the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery in Waterloo,
Ont. and has been living in B.C. for just over a year.

Hopefully we will have similar results as I actively seek (and
pursue) perspective new board members. Just suggesting that people
might be interested in contributing does not seem to be working (the
soft sell). So I am now tracking down and cornering people to see
how well that works. If anyone can think of someone that I might
approach, please feel free to send me their contact information.

Now everyone needs to be nervous just in case someone puts their name
forward...this could be fun, and what a way for me to get to know
more potters. It could prove to be an interesting time at the PGBC
since we are now moving toward our 60th anniversary in 2015. A
time to begin thinking about and planning events to commemorate
this monumental occasion, celebrating the history of PGBC while
at the same time being involved in refreshing and bringing the guild
forward for the next generation.

Two other things of note: first is a tweaking to membership
payment. The change really only affects new members and those
current members who renew late, so check the website for more
details. Second is the Member Appreciation Sale at the gallery. I look
forward to meeting many of the members as I will be helping out

that evening in the gallery. @

—Denise Jeffrey

Gallery Exhibition: Collaboration of Vision

of BRITISH
COLUMBIA
a

The Wood-Fired Pottery of Pia Sillem, Jinny
Whitehead, Jan Lovewell, Ron Robb.

Firing with wood produces a rugged natural
beauty—rich, mellow and magical. There is
no quick fix, no shortcut to achieving that
beauty. It is elusive; a chemistry of elements
that demand constant observation and
manipulation during the days and nights of
stoking the kiln. It is the coaxing of the fame,
seeking to make its mark on the surface of the
clay that draws us to this form of firing.

Starting in 1999, we traveled to different
kilns, learning from the many experienced
potters we encountered. We all shared a
dream of having our own wood-fired kiln.
The four of us began our collaboration in
March 2007 by building a train kiln with 70
cubic feet of stacking space at Pia’s home in
Earl’s Cove on B.C.'s west coast. We built our
kiln over a period of two years, purchasing
and scrounging the materials we needed. Each
of us brought different skills to the task, and
by the time of our first firing, we knew we
enjoyed being with each other and worked
well together.

By car and ferry, we travel to the kiln; Jinny
makes her way north from Vancouver while
Ron and Jan travel south from the coastal
village of Lund.

Our first day is devoted to loading the kiln,
after which we share a delicious dinner. Next
morning we light the kiln. The kiln is attended
to at all times and stoked approximately every
10 to 15 minutes. The temperature rises to
about 2350°F (1287°C) after 24 hours, and is
held there for the duration. During this long,
hot soaking, flames travel around the pots
depositing ash, which melts onto the surfaces,
forming a glaze. We continue for 50 to 52
hours, completing the firing during daylight.
Everyone then goes home to rest while the
kiln cools.

Unloading takes a few hours, as we observe
what happened in each part of the kiln and
admire the beautiful results of each other’s
work, The firing completed, we pack up our
pots and head home, thrilled anew by the
unique beauty of the flame’s impact.

Opening reception: Thursday, Nov. 1, 5 to 7 p.m.

Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - November 2042

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