Elementum; Form,
Function, Feast
By Mike McElgunn, Canadian Clay Collective

The 6th Triennial Canadian Clay Ceramic Symposium is coming...
March 23, 2013 at the Shadbolt Center for the Arts in Burnaby

Envision a program encompassing the themes of Form, Function and
Feast. You may want to turn your back on function for a wee bit so as
not to miss out on the offerings of two well-known ceramic sculptors
who incorporate ideas and imagery of food into their works.

Vic Cicansky, an internationally-recognized Saskatchewan artist
living in Regina, combines clay and bronze in his sculptures. When
creating these light-hearted works, Vic’s inspiration comes from his
passion for his garden and its bounty. Vic has taught at the University
of Regina for over 20 years, the Nova Scotia College of Art and
Design, the University of California at Davis, and the Banff School
of Fine Arts. In 2009, Vic's contribution to the arts as a mentor,
educator and sculptor was acknowledged as he was named a member
of the Order of Canada, and in September 2012, Vic was honoured
with the Saskatchewan Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Lifetime
Achievement in the Arts,

Visit Vic’s works and his journey with clay at www.cicansky.ca and
be sure to see the exhibition of Vic’s sculptural works at the Burnaby
Art Gallery, so close to Shadbolt Centre, while you attend the Ceramic
Symposium. The display will feature sculptural work by various artists,
including Vic Cicansky, relating to the Form, Function, Feast theme.

“This act of creation is in constant flux. Ideas are proposed,
considered and discarded until I arrive at a complete work.
The new work is not the end. It is only one of many
searches for an image that represents a feeling,
an emotion, a passion for colour.”

—Vic Cicansky

Work by Vic Cicansky.

Work by Dirk Staschke.

Dirk Staschke’s recent ceramic installations look like detailed still-
life paintings. Soft muted colours cloaked in a milky glaze attract the
viewer to the perfectly formed abundance of fruits, vegetables, meats
and game. Closer examination reveals the juxtaposition of more
grotesque elements and entrails as Dirk explores the themes of gluttony
and cultural excess. Currently living and working in Portland, Ore.,
Dirk’s work has been widely exhibited across the United States and
in Vancouver. Dirk’s most recent solo exhibition was at the Bellevue
Art Museum timed to coincide with the Seattle NCECA conference
in March of 2012. You can see Dirk’s work in person at the Surrey
Art Gallery Jan. 29 through Mar. 24, 2013. See more of Dirk’s work
online at www.artdirk.com.

“Unlike the potter whose empty dishes present an opportunity,
my settings come pre-arranged as opulent, inedible meals that are
simultaneously enticing and repulsive,”

—Dirk Staschke
Not yet registered for the Symposium? Why not do it today?

* Visit www.canadianclaysymposium.com for full symposium
information.

* Early Bird Registration is $115 (plus taxes) until Jan. 15, thereafter
the price is $135 (plus taxes). All fees include lunch.

* Register by mail (cheque payable to the City of Burnaby) or by
phone atl 604.291.6864. If you've previously registered in Burnaby

programs you can access webreg online at: www.burnaby.ca/webreg

COME ONE, COME ALL

to a dinner feast!

Hosted by the PGBC immediately following events at The
Canadian Clay Symposium: Elementum: Form, Function, Feast. The
dinner will be on Saturday, March 23, 6 to 10 p.m. at The Shadbolt
Centre for the Arts. Tickets sold in advance: $25 PGBC members,
$30 non-members (includes tax). Limited seating. Cash bar/
buffet dinner with vegetarian and meat selections. Purchase tickets
through Paypal at http://bepotters.com/amember/member.php.
Log in using the same password you use to access the newsletter—
the dinner tickets will be one of the products that you may
purchase via Paypal from the drop-down list on the right side of the
screen. Non-members must pay for tickets via the Gallery of BC
Ceramics, 604.669.3606. If paying by cheque, make it out to the
Potters Guild of BC and mail it to 1359 Cartwright St., Granville
Island, Vancouver, B.C. VGH 3R7. For more information contact

Nora Vaillant at 604.730.5840.

GUILD ee
of BRITISH

COLUMBIA
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Potters Guild of BC Newsletter : December 2012

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