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

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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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