Robin Hopper, January 2016. Photo: Times Colonist
Another great one has passed on. More than an artist, more than a teacher, he was also friend.
You’ll be missed, Robin. Thanks for the journey.
Carol Smeraldo today
I have added a page on the Nova Scotia Artist, Carol Smeraldo.
Carol is prolific potter and sculptor. Her works in raku and low -fire porcelain frequently incorporate other media. Though varied in style she displays an ongoing love for the sea: an underpinning theme for her explorations in media, design, and more recently, the cycle of creativity.
Carol is also greatly recognized for her teaching and organizing work in the province: the Halifax Studio School of Pottery, her links with NSCADU, and in the development of the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council to name some highlights.
Enjoy the story of Carol Smeraldo’s career and a sampling of her creations,and please share your thoughts.
I recently received two bits of ‘good’ news. One from Ed Drahanchuk and another from Robin Hopper.
Ed Drahanchuk. From Alberta Comes of Age Catalogue
Ed recently wrote me that he is planning on getting back into ceramics. For the past many years Ed has been working in his other artistic love, painting. As Ed puts it:
“I’ve been out of touch for some time now (years), but plan for my last stab into pottery for 2017 if all goes well. Just a matter of building my fifth kiln.”
Ed is still on Quadra Island coping with internet outages, snowstorms, mice chewing through water lines, and the arrival, or return, of a large mural once on the RBC head office in Calgary. Ed is contemplating how to uncrate and restore it. So nice to see that RBC preserved art rather than just discarding it for ‘progress’.
I interviewed Ed Drahanchuk many years ago and had planned a page on him. So expect to see that page on Ed here in the future.
Thank you Ed for connecting.
Robin Hopper and Judi Dyelle in their Metchosin garden
The other surprise was from Robin Hopper. I had noticed a surge in readers and followers. After a bit of digging I found out it was because of a post on Robin’s facebook page. Here is the post:
“I’m getting too shaky to write much and answer questions, so please don’t ask. Instead. I’m going to put you in the hands of Barry Morrison, editor of an information on-line Canadian ceramic topic. Barry is a brilliant scholar and ceramic historian who I’ve known for over 30 years. He has been well aware of my personal trajectory as well as other authors in giving the best overview of my multiple workstyles, technical info and techniques. You can find Barry’s amazing coverage at :
Studio Ceramics Canada.Com
If you want to know anything about Canadian ceramics and its major practitioners, this is definitely the best place to go.
Robin.”
Wow! Thank you, Robin. I think I’m going to have to increase my hat size by a few sizes.
By the way, Robin is still waiting for the final details of the location for his Order of Canada investiture.
Let’s welcome Ed back to ceramics and continue to congratulate Robin on this recent honour.
Robin Hopper. At a Greater Lansing Potters’ Guild workshop, October 2006.
Congratulations, Robin!
An honour long overdue. Details to be announced.
Readers, please forward your congratulations to Robin at robin@chosinpottery.ca.
So many of us have benefited from his talent and generosity, and have been inspired by his art.
The Matchbox Gallery, Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
I have added a page on the collection of the Matchbox Gallery in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. This small gallery is a powerhouse in supporting Inuit art, particularly ceramics.
The force of the design and imagery of the ceramics will surprise many used to the standards of Bernard Leach or the elegance of European figurative art.
Explore and enjoy. And let me know if you would like to see more of such subjects. Feedback is always appreciated.
Alberta Foundation for the Arts Logo
Check out one of the major government, yes government, agencies that has a major ceramic acquisition, exhibition and accessible policy and collection. The Alberta Foundation for the Arts collection includes such major artists such a Manning, Lindoe, Drahanchuk, Chalke and Tipton and so many more.
Check my page and follow the search links to see this incredible collection.
Amélie Proulx . Metaphores Mortes. Photo source: Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery
The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery has announced that Amélie Proulx has won the 2016 Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics. The award will be presented at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery on November 12, 2016. The ceremony will feature a brief artist talk.
The award was juried by Laura Kukkee, Rory MacDonald and Aaron Nelson.
Proulx will receive $10,000. This prestigious national awards allows early career professionals to undertake a period of independent research, or other activities that will advance their artistic and professional practice at a key moment in their careers.
The Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics is supported by the Keith and Winifred Shantz Fund for the Arts, held at The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation.
For information about the Awards contact: William D. Poole, Executive Director, Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery; director@theclayandglass.ca • 519.746.1882 x231
TRUE NORDIC: HOW SCANDINAVIA INFLUENCED DESIGN IN CANADA has some familiar faces: the Deichmanns the Lorenzens, Ruth Gowdy McKinley, Luke Lindoe and Jean Cartier, among others. The exhibition is a counterpoint to the more familiar Leach-Hamada tradition.
Produced by the Gardiner Museum and curated by Rachel Gotlieb and Michael Prokopow this major exhibition explores more than seven decades of Nordic aesthetic influence in Canadian design. Examining the ways that modern Scandinavian design was introduced to Canada and how its aesthetic principles and material forms were adopted and adapted by Canadian artisans and designers, True Nordic will present a comprehensive, critical survey of Canadian furniture, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and glassware.
A must see exhibition!
Harlan House today. From MUD, Hands, fire Exhibition, University of Manitoba. Photo: Mary Ann Steggles
Porcelain master, Harlan House, now has a page on studioceramicscanada.com .
The page will surprise many with the variety of styles and subjects Harlan has produced for almost 50 years. His detailed carving, appliqué and sprigging are familiar; however, there are other deeper messages, opinions and forms in his work throughout his career. His subjects range from the detailed life and beauty in his garden to frustration with the global economy and our “big box” life.
He is open in his thoughts, words and experience. His own website and blog are further testaments to his generosity.
Enjoy.
Thomas Kakinuma, UBC, late 50s, Image courtesy of Rare Books and Special Collections, University of British Columbia
I am pleased to announce a guest article by Debra E. Sloan on the BC artist Thomas Kakinuma (1908-1982)
Kakinuma’s teachings, personality and style were profound for the developing BC ceramic community. His life and work characterize the mid-century journey that ceramists undertook in those days. A collective and personal sense of the affection and respect for him can be felt in Debra’ s guest article.
Debra is not only a ceramist herself but also an author, historian and archivist on things BC pottery. Much that can be found today on the history of ceramics in BC are due to her work.
Thank you Debra.
Studio Ceramics Canada 