emerging artist: Marah Gaiti

by | Feb 16, 2014 | call for entry, emerging artist, job posting, monday morning eye candy, movie day, residency opportunity, show us your influences, technical tuesday

 

artist statement:
 
 As human beings we are innately social and
communal. We seek each other out, interact with one another, and respond to
both our environment and each other.  Our
relatives, friends and the people we interact with on a daily basis are all
part of the social unit that shapes our environment. 
I was born
and raised in Venezuela and from a very young age my family often traveled
within and outside of our home country. At the age of nine my family members
began moving to the United States a few at a time, where we were completely
submerged into a different culture. During the move, some family members moved
back and forth between Venezuela and the US , creating a flux of family members
in our household. My exposure from a young age to change in my surroundings,
family and home  arouse my interest in
the ideals of family and community.
In
my ceramic work, each piece  is a
community. The high relief areas represent the environment, the driving force
in the community. Each carved line is an individual within the community,  interacting with one another, responding to
both the environment and each other. Together the lines create units. Units
coming together to create a whole.

website: marahgaiti.com

Common/Opposites and Trial by Fire Opens Tomorrow!

by | Feb 13, 2014 | Uncategorized

The Kootenay Gallery will be opening their new season with an exhibit
of work by the internationally renowned ceramic artist Les Manning. 
The pieces found in Common/Opposites are a bold departure from
his past collections which, while sculptural in spirit, were typically
traditional, utilitarian vessels: pots, plates and bowls. The 19
sculptures that make up this exhibition, have been described as playful,
using contrasting forms, textures and colours to reflect Manning’s
personal experiences and knowledge of Canada’s landscape. His knowledge
of his medium is obvious. He uses the qualities of ceramics to
“describe” this landscape combining the rough, dark stoneware with
smooth porcelain using intense glazes of pink, yellow, blue, green and
orange. The result is an unexpected, yet delightful surprise.

Les Manning’s artistic career spans over 40 years, from studio potter
to senior arts administrator. He is one of the founders of the Alberta
Craft Council; he ran the prestigious Banff Centre ceramics program and
was an active member of the International Academy of Ceramics. His work
has been shown around the world, and is held in private, corporate and
public collections, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Les
Manning received the Order of Canada in 2012.

The exhibition Common/Opposites was curated by Joanne Marion and its tour organized by the Esplanade Art Gallery, Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Also showing in the adjoining gallery space is the work of two West
Kootenay ceramic artists, Robin Dupont and Pamela Nagely Stevenson. The
title of their exhibition, Trial by Fire, reflects the specific
technique used by these artists, ancient in its origins yet complex in
its process. While time consuming, and labour intensive those who choose
this method do so for the effects achieved. Years of commitment and
dedication to perfecting their craft are reflected in the rich, colours
and textures found in their work. This exhibition is curated by Helen
Sebelius.

The opening reception to be held on Friday, February 14th
at 7:00 will include a dialogue between the artists and the curator in
which they will discuss their choice of technique and how it informs
their work.  For more information call (250) 365-3337.

www.kootenaygallery.com

call for entry: Sydney Teapot Show 2014

by | Feb 12, 2014 | call for entry, emerging artist, job posting, monday morning eye candy, movie day, residency opportunity, show us your influences, technical tuesday

Claire Locker – overall winner 2013  
 
Tanya Bechara
 
“The
Inner City Clayworkers Gallery in Glebe are currently looking for fresh
new entrants for the Sydney Teapot Show 2014. If you have not entered
before (are not already on their mail-out list), and you have at least a
Diploma in Ceramics, why not take part this August? Have a look at our
website to see winners from 2013. 
http://www.clayworkers.com.au/content/sydney-teapot-show-2013

To be considered, just send your CV and photos of examples of your ceramic work to our email: [email protected]
 
If
we like what we see, we will include you in our mail-out of entry forms
which will include details of the 2014 categories and prize values.
 

Denise McDonald