M atter of Clay [Il By Pat Webber & Meira Mathison

Early August saw a magnificent migration
of ceramic artists and collectors to Canada's
Mecca for ceramic art, the Jonathon
Bancroft-Snell Gallery in London, Ont.
The occasion was Matter of Clay 111, an
exhibition of Canadian ceramicists which is
held every five years, this year featuring more
than 100 artists. This was the largest national
exhibition since Montreal’s Expo 1967, Man
and His World.

Jonathon’s is unique in many ways; the
knowledge of ceramic art shared with
enthusiasm with every person who enters
the gallery, the mentoring of collectors, and
the respectful appreciation of each artist and
their work. These qualities have combined to
ensure a thrilling experience for artists and
collectors,

‘The work presented in Matter of Clay 111
was from almost every province in Canada.
Over 60 artists followed their work to London
to meet, talk, and experience the joy of seeing
work and artist together. Many had previously
seen each other's work in books only. It was
an opportunity to meet clay heroes and add
to or begin a collection.

East meets West (L to R): Tuula Anderson,
Ont.; Pat Webber, B.C.; Meira Mathison, B.C.;
Judy Blake, N.B.

Artists and collectors were also introduced
and often found the energetic source of
their connection. British Columbia was
well represented, with 25 artists’ works. In
attendance were: Gordon Hutchens, Pat
Webber, Gary Merkel, Meira Mathison, Mary
Fox, Elaine Brewer-White, Louise Card, Craig
Rogers, Bill Boyd and Judy Weeden.

A unique 220-plus-page limited edition
catalogue was designed to document the
event. It took the form of a separate card for
each artist, boxed together in a collection.
One can imagine them used one day as study

aids by Canadian art students.

Art_Ttavel

201 1 CERAMICS*EXGURSIONS

Crete
Sept. 19-Oct. 4

Morocco
Oct. 13-Nov. 3

Gary Merkel, Victoria, B.C.

In London, ceramic artists are treated like
rock stars; wined and dined and transported to
collectors’ homes by limo for a cocktail party.
The mayor attended the opening. Labatt’s
and the local pub, Scot's Corner, sponsored a
reception on the eve of the opening for artists
and their spouses, inspired by Jonathon and
curator Brian Cooke's enthusiasm. Artists
were invited to the homes of London's
collectors to see their private collections
which are some of the finest in Canada.
‘The gallery also partnered with the London
Potter's Guild to hold a series of workshops
over the weekend.

‘This was a thrilling experience for all who
love a handful of clay and the transformation

possible in the hands of an artist.

RITISH
COLUMBIA
a

Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - September 2011 9