The Ceramics on the Edge 3 show opened at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt on June 29. The jurors, Keith and Celia Rice-Jones, took the time to give a further educational boost to the show's growing reputation as an imaginative and diverse exhibition featuring the work of local potters.
Though this third annual show, now sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Arts Council, does not show as many large sculptural pieces as in past years, there was enough interesting form and technique to allow the jurors to make constructive critiques as they moved around the gallery on opening night. Many of the artisans were on hand to respond to the comments.
"It's hard to put your work out there when you're a new artist," said Celia Rice-Jones, referring to how this particular show always involves emerging artists as well as established ones. She noted the work of Joanne Scanlan, who took her first ceramics course as recently as 2008. Scanlan's paper clay wall plaques explore an East Indian theme with classical lotus motif.
The jurors found a unifying element in the work of Kez Sherwood, whose disparate pieces did not seem to adhere to a theme. They described her wall hanging as a sort of aerial abacus in which pinched clay shapes are hung as pendants. Emerging artist Marilyn Butt was commended for her functionality and charm.
Painter and emerging potter Heather Waddell, who had also curated the show, was encouraged in her development of clay sea life, three-dimensional images of a water lily, creatures rising out of the ooze and a sea horse. One of the show's organizers, Betty Keller, drew positive comments for her stylized, folk art chickens in clay and her continuing exploration of light sources as represented by a functional table lamp base.
Jurors praised the work of established artist Maggie Citrin whose pieces follow a water theme.
"It's like putting music into clay," said Keith Rice-Jones.
Pia Sillem's eye-catching work based on the belly-like shape of the pitcher plant pod inspires confidence, they noted, while Suzanne Biden's several pieces that look like driftwood roots or insect-like creatures suggests her shift to making her work more abstract.
Established clay artist Liz de Beer's large earthenware vessel in bottle form is a dramatic highlight of the show.
"I wish I had as good control over copper red glaze as you do," remarked Keith Rice-Jones of the work of Shey Smith and Diane Fisher Amaral whose colourful glazes adorn altered forms.
The jurors, who operate from Wildrice Studio in Burnaby, are displaying a wide sampling of their own work in clay, both functional and sculptural.
The show continues at the Doris Crowston Gallery (Arts Centre) in Sechelt until July 31. Call 604-885-5412 for summer hours of opening.
