Guest blog by ‘Art in the Country’ director and TriCity potter, Susan Gorris
Prompted by the recent death of Victoria BC artist Walter Dexter, friend and fellow TriCity potter Susan Gorris sent me some fine photos of him, taken four years ago. She had accompanied fellow sculptor Santo Mignosa to a reception celebrating BC’s well-known clay artists in Victoria.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Jul 22, 2011 to Nov 27, 2011
Modern Eye
Craft and Design in Canada, 1940-1980
Modernism dominated craft and design in Canada from the 1940’s to the 1970’s. This exhibition explores the modernist viewpoints held by Canada’s most prominent designers and craft artists working in this period.
Included will be over 150 pieces of furniture, ceramics, and household items that best illustrate modernist preoccupation with form, colour, texture, experimentation, functionality, and honest use of materials. Items chosen reflect an interest in new materials and techniques and an awareness of contemporary trends in abstract art and Modern architecture.
Guest curated by Allan Collier, The Modern Eye borrows from local and national collections and is accompanied by an illustrated exhibition catalogue.
I invited her to write a little account of the occasion so today she is my guest blogger. Although Walter hadn’t attended the reception Susan tells how she and Santo paid him a visit the next day, and how the two old friends had a happy reunion. Enjoy these photos of Walter and some of his work as you remember one of the special clay artists of this province and country.
Remembering Walter Dexter
In the summer of 2011, Santo Mignosa and Walter Dexter were two of many artists who exhibited several hand-built ceramic sculptures in a show entitled Modern Eye, Craft and Design in Canada 1940-1980 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. At the opening reception, Walter Dexter’s notable absence prompted Santo to call him with the hope that a short visit might be arranged. He appeared to be very happy about seeing his old friend and welcomed both of us into his beautiful home and studio. Together they reminisced about mutual acquaintances, events from their past (his wedding atop a mountain!) and a recent exhibition of Walter’s in New York. He commented that he had a very appreciative following there and was selling his work at a handsome price. We congratulated him on his numerous successes and enjoyed viewing all of the interesting artwork proudly displayed in each room (many of the paintings were created by his late wife). He then invited us to accompany him to his studio where he was continuing the construction of new work. His space was enviable in the vast amount of storage, working tables and organization! After our tour we enjoyed a little refreshment. I asked both of them if I could take a few photos as the colour of his kitchen wall and a few of his recent ceramic sculptures were aesthetically compelling subjects that would provide a special addition to an image of the two friends. Soon after we said our good-byes; the reunion was exhilarating but Walter was very tired and needed rest.
On numerous occasions Santo has reflected on his long-time friendship with Walter. They attended openings, conferences and studio visits together when both were living in Alberta. For a short time they were working also together at the University of Calgary’s Department of Ceramics (Santo taught full-time until his retirement; Walter was a Guest Artist and Lecturer). Upon hearing of Walter’s death, Santo commented on Walter’s enormous impact on the Art community in Calgary. He also said that Walter was well-known as a serious and intense artist who had integrity and honour. He was highly respected and will be remembered for his passion and commitment to his work.
Susan Gorris
July 1, 2015
