For my first blog of 2019 I’d like to draw attention to the current show at Port Moody Arts Centre. The opening was a week ago now, and there have been lots of photos on facebook showing this remarkable show, ‘Breathing Space’. As usual I found myself drawn to the ceramics component of the exhibit so forgive me if most of the photos are of pots.
The theme of the show is quiet appreciation of our surrounding natural environment for this month, usually the most Wintery of the year. But the impression, especially during the very well-attended opening, was of happy celebration of our ocean, mountains, forest and all growing things.
Three artists, Bryce Barry, photographer, Bev Ellis, potter and print-maker, and Brenna Quan, floral designer, collaborated to fill the main gallery with serene photographs, striking ceramics and amazing plant installations. As I walked in I immediately recognized Bev’s sectional birch tree-trunk arrangement and pots. She was a prize-winner in October’s Salt Spring International Ceramics Awards. It was good to reconnect, and for me to see her related prints (so many clay artists also enjoy print-making).
Bryce’s enormous photographs set the atmosphere for the show. We are taken deep into our coastal rain forest or out in a boat on the Salish Sea where one can admire the islands in the distance. The images are spectacular.
Bev Ellis, a South Surrey resident, fires her remarkable and very recognizable tree trunk forms in a raku kiln. This leaves the bark beautifully white and the underneath and interior totally black. Me, I don’t do raku but the method is wonderfully suitable for Bev’s particular style of work. I have photos of her other pieces which follow the same theme. Very tempting items!
And Brenna’s creations make one gasp! She collaborated with another artist last Summer in a Port Moody Arts Centre show so we have seen her astonishing arrangements before. This time she has clearly spent days installing beautiful collections of branches, some woven into imaginary nests, and others suspended from the ceiling. We feel peaceful after seeing the photographs, then marvel at the skilful replication of birch-bark tree trunks and then are lifted away into a fantastic dream world of plant forms.
When I was at the Arts Centre for TriCity Potters’ monthly meeting on Wednesday evening I saw that wonderfully scented white roses have been added to the floral designs. So I highly recommend a visit to the Gallery before February 7th. to catch a really enticing show.
The other two gallery spaces showcased work by Arts Centre painting and pottery class attendees in a show entitled ‘Learn . Create . Live’. There are some fine pieces which will encourage folks to take the inspirational classes that they’ve been promising themselves.
