Its almost here! canadian Clay Symposium

By Fredi Rahn

As the 5th Triennial Canadian Clay Sym-
posium rolls ever closer, the organizing com-
mittee gathers steam on deciding on all the
many details that will make this one-day
conference on the theme Aesthetics interesting
and provocative for all participants.

In December, the organizing committee
was sad to receive word that Kathryn Finnerty
is no longer able to participate in the March
symposium. Luckily, Joan Bruneau of Lunen-
burg, N.S. has agreed to fill Kathryn's spot,
and is sure to delight us all with a demon-
stration of her wheel-thrown and altered pottery.

Joan is a familiar face to the Vancouver cer-
amics community. From1998-2002 she was
assistant professor of ceramics at Emily Carr.
She currently teaches part-time at the Nova
Scotia College of Art, and maintains her
pottery studio and gallery, Nova Terra Cotta,
in Lunenburg. Her work is widely known
for its exceptional virtuosity and innovation,
appearing in publications, exhibitions and
public and private collections. In 2004, she
received the Winifred Shantz Award which
funded her research of Etruscan and Maiolica
pottery through a residency at La Meridiana
International Ceramics in Italy.

Joan writes of her work: “My intent as a
studio potter is to inspire presentation and to
enrich the quality of daily experience, through
a collaborative dialogue between the user
and my pots. The forms are influenced by a
range of sources, from Chinese and European
historical pottery forms to botanical structures
and architectural ornament. The forms are
wheel-thrown and reconstructed using cut-
and-paste technique. Gestural throwing lines,
dynamic volumes and structural seams are
marks of this making process. The surfaces are
treated with brushed white slip, underglazes
and polychrome food-safe glazes.”

Another of our featured presenters is Kathy
Venter, a figurative sculptor from Salt Spring
Island, B.C. She has exhibited her work
at many prestigious galleries across North
America, Europe, and South Africa, where she
received her education at the Port Elizabeth
School of Art and Design. Her work is large-
scale (life-sized) and she intends to demonstrate
the foundation process of building a head in
clay. Of her own current work, she writes, “By
using only one person as subject, I provide the
viewer with an uncluttered reflection of self
through another. The sculptures are direct
engaging, life

size, a Measure of our

and

humanity. ..I

have endeav-
oured to speak
eloquently, by
means of a
sophisticated

observation of
the structure,
individuality,

presence and

attitude ofone

model, while Here and Here,

by Kathy Venter.

accepting

the challenge
of that which precedes me. In this sense I
acknowledge the truth and empowerment
of the past and take the presently untried
approach of depicting the living persona,
without generalization or objectification.”

There are still Symposium seats available, so
if you haven't registered, do so by calling the
Shadbolt Centre at 604-291-6864, or visit
www.burnaby.ca/webreg. Full details on our
presenters lineup is available on the website at:
www.canadianclaysymposium.ca

shadbolt centre:

req isfer new /

A reminder to Symposium participants...

We need you to bring the following:

« A mug, cup or teabowl to donate to the Mug Wall, and $15 to
purchase one! This fundraiser is sponsored by the North-West
Ceramics Foundation with proceeds going into the Maureen
Wright Scholarship Fund. Mugs change hands very quickly
so don't lose any time—head for the Mug Wall as soon as you
register! This is an opportunity to find a unique and rare sample

of work from a huge selection of artists.

e

A clay object for the Ceramic Roadshow—this can be any
primarily clay item you or someone you know has made, beautiful
or hideous, commercial or hand-made. The point of this show is
to present a very wide panorama of the clay spectrum, whether
it be a personal favourite, something of highly questionable
aesthetic or an interesting commercially-made find. Volunteers

will be on hand to monitor the show.

e

A glaze, slip or clay sample and recipe written out for Dr. D’Arcy

to analyze.

Billeting for Symposium
Attending the Canadian Clay Symposium from out of town and
need a place to stay? Live in the Lower Mainland and have a spare
bedroom or couch? If you need or are able to provide billeting
Mar. 13, please go online to Facebook, search for "Canadian Clay
Symposium’ and post your request or offer on the discussion board.

Note: Registration for spring programs
begins March 2.

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Canadian Clay Symposium:
Aesthetics 2010

The fifth triennial symposium
features eleven presenters from
Canada, the US and Australia. Visit
www.canadianclaysymposium.ca for
details. (No refunds. Call regarding
senior and student discounts)

Sa, 9:00am-5:30pm

March 13, 1 session

$124.95

Barcode 201826

Call Shadbolt Centre
at 604-291-6864 or
register online at:
burnaby.ca/webreg.

shadboltcentre.com

Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - February 2010

Peter Powning:

Big Project? No Problem!
Advice from expert Peter Powning
on how to make that idea you have
for a large project, into a reality.
Su, 10:00am-4:00pm

March 14, 1 session

$126.00 early bird

$147.00 after February 12

Barcode 207960

Wood Firing with

Jack Troy & Robert Barron
A unique opportunity you won't
want to miss. Fee includes entry
to Canadian Clay Symposium.

Tu, W, Th, Su, times vary

Starts March 16, 4 sessions
$451.50 Barcode 206750

Note: No refunds after February 12
and no senior/student discounts
available on these two workshops.

10