CLAY EXPLORATIONS

Before I touched clay for the first time in 2000, I knew I didn’t want to throw perfectly round pots with smooth surfaces. Since, I have been hand forming functional or decorative objects of irregular shapes with textured surfaces, firing them in a computerized electric kiln.

WOOD-FIRING

In 2004, I discovered wood firing in outdoor brick kilns, fueled with wood by participating potters over long hours (12 to 72, depending on the size of the kiln). All those hours, the flames, “en route” from the firebox to the chimney, keep licking the work while the flying ashes stick to the heated pots, melting their mineral content onto the surfaces, creating unique glazes.

It is addictive!

BEACHCOMBER REGIONAL PARK’S SECRET

In 2016, we left Ontario and moved to Nanoose Bay on the Beachcomber peninsula. There, in its regional park, the ground is covered with a variety of textured rocks that I am still taking advantage of today! Pressing blocks or slabs of clay against a chosen rock surface leaves a rich impression on the vase (goblet, box or platter) -to be.
It is precious!

BRUSH EXPLORATIONS

In 2010, after having been freely playing with watercolor and acrylic, I was introduced to India ink and cedar bark brushes. Without any inspiration or intention, I let the brush move freely. Then, paying attention to what just took form on the paper, I choose to put down my brush or to keep exploring.

The final images are like short poems, suggesting landscapes, seascapes, wind and forests, where the moon often found a way to poke its nose!

It is humbling…