Eliza Au

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them. This piece, titled: Hymn to Calamity, was based on the eye of the storm,
the center of the storm being the center of balance and a place of safety.

I previously had worked at a large scale with plates that had the wall or the
floor as a support, but creating a large free-standing structure was a challenge.
I cast all my plaster molds in Vancouver before arriving in Portland, where
I discovered quickly that my form was prone to cracking and slumping. I
spent more than a month trying to correct this problem, which was eventually
solved by firing each brick with an interior support. Another dilemma was
firing all the bricks; which were eventually once-fired to cone six or higher at
the Oregon College of Art and Craft (OQCAC) and at the Pacific Northwest
College of Art (PNCA). Casting and firing all the bricks took about three and
a half months.

During this time, I enlisted the help of Guruhans Singh Krosen, a local
metal artist, who made a steel frame for my project. The frame has a top and
bottom c-shaped plate that are both m three sections. There are steel pipes,
which the bricks are inserted over like meatballs on a skewer. The structure
is made up of brick columns, which sit side by side and are secured at the
top plate. For illumination, Christmas lights are strung horizontally through
triangular holes on either side of the brick. Other problems surfaced during
the installation: irregularities of the bricks caused the structure to lean at the
top, which needed to be corrected by wooden shims. The finished piece is
eleven and a half feet in diameter and close to seven feet tall, and consists of
231 bricks. The piece is displayed at the museum from January 13 to March
11, 2007.

Through the challenges during my residency, I have had the privilege of
working with the Contemporary Crafts Museum and Gallery which was more
than hospitable with its assistance, knowledge, concern and patience. I am
grateful for the support and encouragement and have benefited greatly from

both the challenges and enjoyment of my experience. Elva Au

Hymn to Calamity: showing at the Contemporary Crafts Museaum and Gallery,
in Portland, Oregon. 503.233.2654 or wwm.contemporarycrafts. ore.

7 ——— rrr EEE 0) (2)

Eliza Au

Eliza Au

Eliza Au: Wreath/Wreathe
Coming in April to the RAG

Eliza Au: Wreath/Wreathe, features slip-
cast ceramic wreaths made of multiple

ka

POTTERS

GUILD
«BRITISH

pieces which interlock.
April 22 — June 3, 2007.
Opening reception:
Saturday, April 21, 2 to 4 p.m.
Richmond Art Gallery:

604.231.6454 or
www.tichmondartgallery.org