Linda Lebrun, TriCity Potters’ newsletter editor, has kindly allowed me to use her description of our fine day at Shadbolt Centre on Saturday. She, June and I went together for Dig This and the evening’s BC Potters’ Guild dinner. I’ll add some of the photos I took so that those of you who weren’t able to attend can get an idea of the work made by the four presenters in their six hours of demonstrating.

SATURDAY AT SHADBOLT CENTRE

DIG THIS: Exploring B.C. Clay took place yesterday and brought together four dynamic British Columbia-based ceramic artists. There were also many other clay artists and enthusiasts present, and many old friends and acquaintances from the world of clay.

Brendan Tang (Vancouver), Sarah Lawless (Kaslo), Robin Dupont (Winlaw) and Kathleen Raven (Salt Spring Island) were the presenters.

Each of these artists worked for two three-hour demo sessions during the daylong event. Some participants moved between artists, but I hardly noticed as I was so busy in one room in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

Each room was set up with two presenters, a man and a woman, and in general terms a thrower and a hand builder. There were large screens to watch what we couldn’t see, and large mirrors for a different view. There was banter between everyone and questions were freely asked and answered.

Lunch was included, and while we ate, Bob Kingsmill gave us a fascinating talk and slide show about “The Old Vernon Potter”, Axel Ebring. There were some 70 or so of his pieces that Bob has personally collected and on display for us to appreciate. Bob commented on how all of us have learned from those who have gone ahead of us, and charged us to consider where would be the most appropriate home for these pieces to eventually reside.

What a great day for everyone in the clay community to come together for an event like this, and what a great job of organizing it was done by the Shadbolt Centre staff. Thank-you to everyone who made this possible.

Linda Lebrun

I took photos of some of the pieces in the show so that those of you, like me, who are unable to attend the opening on Friday evening can have an idea of what to expect on Saturday. I’ve also included the little biography each artist supplied. You’ll need to click on the photo to enlarge it for reading.

We are all familiar with the work of Brendan Tang. He has brought in two large pieces from his ‘Manga Ormulu’ series. Look for him to explain his journey leading to the creation of these distinctive forms and see some of the process of their fabrication.

Robin Dupont was the soda and wood-firing leader for the month I was one of twelve artists-in-residence at Medalta in June of 2010 so I now recognize his style and preferred surfaces. My favourite piece in the show is one of his comfortable teapots.

The other two artists are new to me.

Kathleen Raven lives on Saltspring Island. Her wall pieces tell a story, are very 3-dimensional and use a fine variety of surfaces. One can spend quite a while pondering the work.

And Sarah Lawless lives in Kaslo, a long way East of the Lower Mainland. Wheel-throwing is her passion and I’ve chosen these mugs and unusual thrown plate to show you. Her glazes are subtle, practical and pleasing.

A visit to the Gallery this month is certainly worthwhile even if you aren’t able to spend all day Saturday in Burnaby, listening to these four and watching them at work. And it’s always a treat to wander through the rest of the gallery to see the astonishing variety of work by the best of BC’s potters.