12 – June 16, 2012
Reception:
Saturday, May 12, from 2-4pm
Clay artist, Robin DuPont, experiments with flame manipulation in his soda and wood fired pottery.
Robin DuPont’s education in the field of ceramics has been wide-ranging and includes educational training from four institutions, in three different countries. Robin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alberta College of Art + Design in Calgary, and has also studied at Kootenay School of the Arts, in Nelson, BC, at the Australian National University in Canberra, and has recently completed the Master of Fine Arts graduate program at Utah State University in Logan.
A three-year apprenticeship with a studio potter; a research trip and several work-studies in Canada, U.S.A, Australia and Korea; residencies at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Red Deer College; as well as the building and firing of many different wood kilns contribute to the depth of Robin’s experience in the field. His employment experience has been as an adjunct faculty member teaching introductory clay at the post-secondary level as well has six years of experience as a ceramics technician. Robin has spent four years building and maintaining a studio practice out of his home in Nelson, BC and is currently teaching at Alberta College of Art + Design as the 2011-2012 Visiting Artist in the Ceramics department.
Robin’s current body of work evolves from the intensive research into soda and wood firing techniques and skills that he has developed over the past 15 years, but in particular drawing from recent research he experimented with while in graduate school at Utah State University.
Robin’s exhibition illustrates his research into atmospheric firing: manipulation of the flame in the firing process so that it becomes a tool in and of itself. Manipulating and adjusting forms and the spaces between the forms Robin recorded the critical turning points and variables during the firing process in relation to surface effects. Gaining the knowledge of how the flame moves he is able to achieve desired surface effects in the kiln. The resulting surfaces record not only the firing process, but also how the flame was manipulated. Applying these findings or this ‘painting with fire’ Robin creates extraordinary and unique surface palettes on his sensual forms.
Robin DuPont was awarded project funding by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and the Columbia Basin Trust to develop his artistic and professional practice for this upcoming exhibition and work.
Alberta Craft Council Gallery and Shop
10186-106 St. Edmonton, AB
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