WORKSHOP REVIEWED:

From June 7th to 11th, the Delta potters
were actively engaged in activities such as
creating garden temples, designing shapes
representing maleness and femaleness, and
for a touch out of the ordinary, building
castles orcathedrals, brick by brick, Nothing
prepared me for the sheer variety and
intensity that was motivated by our quiet
and soft-spoken instructor, Don Hutchinson,
It was apparent from the first that he wanted
us to go a little further than we did before,
dare to create something that we would not
usually think of, and reach inside a litle
deeper than we normally would.

We all started out with the same theme, a
garden temple for all creatures to rest in to
gather their thoughts. I saw wonderful
creations of pyramids, ancient sea creatures,
magical elfin beings, ancient asian pagodas,
and magic structures of moonlight and
tropical life. The same variety was found in
the representation of male and femaleness.
In this exercise we used different coloured
clay, yet another level of creativity to work
with! Perhaps the most unique experience
was the cathedral building, brick by brick.
Surprisingly not very time-consuming, the
real challenge awaits at the roof because a
structurally sound roof must be created very
carefully.

Interspersed with these periods of intense
creativity, we were treated to stories of
exotic and faraway places. It was the folk
tales from thousands of years ago, based on
the superstitions and beliefs of people from
this Gabe that truly made the art of pottery
come alive forme. To think that thousands
of years ago clay not only served as useful
crockery and vessels, but also as guardians
against evil spirits inthe home. New depths
and life was brought to the clay f held in my
hands. Judging from the silence and avid
attention from the members around me, |
would guess that my reaction was nol unique.

What was most interesting and rewarding
were the occasional bursts of excitment
experienced intermittently throughout the
workshop by various members. By the end
of the week we had gained a camaraderie,
and I think were were mot the only ones
challenged. Don admitted to his own fatigue
towards the end. I wonder if his response

September, 1403

was similar to mine, exhausted, but filled
with a certain accomplishment and wonder,
alittle surprised at what I did? Thanks Don!

Chris Cheng,
Delta Potters Club

OPPORTUNITIES

West Coast Clay Sculptors’ Assoc offers
tao events this fall,

Jacqui Bergland is a fourth year student at
Emily Carr majoring in Ceramic Sulpture
and printmaking. At Capitol Hill Hall, on
South Howard in Burnaby, September 15th,
from 7 to LO pm, she will give a lecture about
paper clay, an interesting mixture she has
been working with. Part of the evening will
be devoted to “hands on" experience, and
your piece will be bisqued for you. Come
outand try something new. $15.00 for non-
members, $12.00 for members, incl.
materials and firing. Pre-registration
necessary; phone Janet at 983-9487 of BW
at 469-1192.

Sally Michener, one of the leading clay
sculptors in B.C, will speak about the haman
figure as it is portrayed in clay. This event
will be held at the Burnaby Art Centre,
James Cowan Theatre. Studio 3, on Monday,
October 18th, in the evening. Donation at
the door, Phone the above individuals for
further information.

The Institute for Contemporary Canadian
Craft is organizing “Making and
Metaphor: A discussion of Meaning in
Contemporary Craft’, October 22nd
through 24th, 1993, atthe Canadian Museam
of Civilization in Hull, Quebec, and at the
Canada Council Art Bank in Ottawa, For
more information and registration brechure,
contact: Rosalyn Morrison, at4 16-29) -9418,
or fax 416-291-3457,

ARTROPOLIS 94 is calling for volunteers
for its annual exhibition and special events.
They require the dedication and assistance
of some 250 volunteers. Please contact
Ruth at the ARTROPOLIS office at 689-
S811.

Courses are offered this fall through many
centres. A partial list includes the com#munity
centres in Vancouver-West Point Grey, West
End, False Creek, Marpole: in West
Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and
Coquitlam. Check under recreation and art
centres in the phone book.

UNCLASSIFIED

For Sale; Shimpo Wheel, $650, 4 cu.ft.
Estrin kiln with shelves and stilts, $350;
Ohaus scale, Shelving, Tools and Glaze
materials, Call Gerry Barregar at 988-2446,

Studio Space Wanted: Two fledgling potters
need an inexpensive workspace of about
400 sqft. with water and 240V wiring for
early September, Also need medium sized
Cone 10 electric kiln and sitter and some
other equipment. Phone Jane at 683-3722
or 739-3797.

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