COLUMBIA

Climbing around town.

Local pottery by Nikos Rodios, third generation Skopelos potter.

Time slowed down, Contd from Page 9.

slowed down. It was as if we lived there. My “muses” were incredibly
prolific, creating masks, heads and mugs bisqued in the alternately
firing two electric kilns and then surfaced with combinations of
colourful glazes, acrylics and/or patinas. (Most materials were Greek.)

We were welcomed with a delicious Greek feast conjured by Christos,
our accommodation maestro, followed by a hilarious evening of Greek
dancing and music where we absolutely got a hit of warm, gracious
Greek hospitality. The two weeks culminated with a grand closing
party and exhibit, hosted by Jill and Gloria of Skopart and attended
by the local Greek and ex-pat communities. Everyone was blown away
by the quality and variety of the pieces created by both experienced
and novice participants.

Skopelos is a magical place to relax, imagine and fantasize; the
perfect ambiance to forget our everyday lives and focus on our inner
muse expressed through clay and colour.

From the beginning, Jill and Gloria were impressed with the harmony,
creativity and diversity of our group. We had nine wonderful students
attending the workshop, all with their individually unique skills and
personalities—potters, painters, scientists and students. Participants
were primarily from B.C. We were delighted to have a wonderful
potter from North Carolina who leaped upon the opportunity to
return to her beloved Skopelos and explore Mia Muse. In addition, we
welcomed four non-participants who accompanied the muses and an
American photographer-in-residence, all of whom enriched the overall
experience,

When not in the studio, we were inspired by the charming
labyrinthine walks into the old, yet immaculate town of Skopelos. It
is everything you imagine a Greek village to be: whitewashed houses,
colourful balconies adorned with overhanging bougainvilleas and large
ceramic pots created on island. Skopelos town houses wonderful shops
filled with clothing, jewelry and ceramics created by Greek artisans,
multiple seaside cafes and restaurants—all reasonably priced! There are
no large hotels. The beaches of Skopelos are exquisite, which is why
it was chosen as the site for Mamma Mia. In addition to the beaches,
there are numerous churches and monasteries, a local folk art museum,
quaint villages, pine forests and mini cruises to neighbouring islands.
Revivalist-traditional potter Nikos Rodios and folk artist Violetta
graced us with studio visits and demos.

I am thrilled to be invited back to Skopelos this September to
offer Mytho Muse. This two-week workshop will focus on creating
transformational figurative ceramic sculptures inspired by Greek and
world mythological creatures. It will build upon all that has transpired
and influenced me during and since Mia Muse.

Suzy will be offering the Mytho Muse workshop Sept. 10-25, 2010. She
invites you to join her and looks forward to hearing from you. For more
information about the workshop and about Suzy's work, contact her at:
www.suzybirstein.com,; 604.737.2636; suzy@suzybirstein.com

Potters Guild of BC Newsletter March 2010 10