Artist of the Day: Paula Cooley

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } I am a full time ceramics artist living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I have had an active studio practice since 1999 when I graduated with my Diploma in Ceramics. For the past ten years I have balanced the practical work of fine craft with academic work, completing my B.F.A in Sculpture on a part-time basis in 2010. My ceramic work is diverse, encompassing both functional and sculptural work. I wheel throw, hand build, and use a wide range of clays, surfaces and firing methods to achieve particular effects.
My one-of-a-kind sculptural work employs traditional technique and craftsmanship to create experimental organic forms that reflect the inspiration of the natural world. Whimsical hand-built shapes, evocative use of positive and negative space, and rich surfaces characterize my sculptural ceramics. My objects seem to grow or move, shaping and animating the space around them. My sculptural ceramic practice explores the boundaries between art and craft, static and animate, tradition and innovation.
For more info and images visit Paula’s website.
Where I’ll be this weekend.

Recently I’ve become a part of a local craft collective called flock and gather here in Saskatoon. Our goal is to build the local craft community through events and sales. Tomorrow is the first sale that the collective is presenting so if you’re in the area please stop by.
For more info about the flock and gather collective please check out their blog.
Artist of the Day: Rachael Kroeker
Rachael Kroeker is an emerging ceramic artist who was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She completed her BFA with honours in May of 2009 from the University of Manitoba, and is working towards acquiring a graduate degree. For several years she has been an active member of the ceramic community, being involved in a number of group exhibitions and sales. She recently completed her first residency at the Medalta International Artists in Residence Program in Medicine Hat, Alberta.






Rachael primarily works with slip cast objects from plaster molds, in both sculptural and functional manners, emphasizing the aesthetic experience through form, line movement and colour.
See more of her work and read her artist statement on her website.
Artist of the Day: Anna Ryland

I graduated from College in 2009, spent 3 months travelling in the UK, Ireland, France and Europe last year with my husband and came back fully energised. I won an Award for my mini installation of Porcelain Paperclay at the Port Hacking Potters Group Competition last October. I have tried painting and silver work but just love the feel of getting my hands on clay.

There are so many possibilities I find it hard to concentrate on one type of clay work. I love throwing on the wheel but also enjoy handbuilding or combining the two. My love of flowers shows in my decoration and living in a multi-cultural city, I also find a Asian influence coming through in my style. I use either stoneware or porcelain clays and fire in an electric kiln.
The above photos are of work in my graduation show and also one of my little pigs – my fun side.
My blogs are: http://annasceramicportfolio.blogspot.com and http://annasceramics.blogspot.com
2011 Call for Artists: Toronto Outdoor art exhibition
Deadline: MAR 1
Are you an established or emerging artist who wants to showcase and sell your work to over 100,000 art collectors, dealers and art lovers? If YES, then apply to exhibit your work at the biggest art event of the year!! TOAE is the largest outdoor art exhibition in Canada and offers a fresh-air alternative to conventional art shows and galleries. Hundreds of artists participate in the exhibition every year. Side by side, established artists, undiscovered talents and innovative students sell their work directly to the public and make lasting connections with art dealers and collectors. In 2010, TOAE presented over $30,000 in cash awards and prizes to participating artists!
We welcome applications from artists working in a wide range of traditional and experimental art forms.
Apply online at the TOAE website at www.torontooutdoorart.org or call 416.408.2754 for more information.
For further information, please contact: Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition [email protected]
Medalta: Winter 2011 Intro & Inter Ceramic Classes begin, Medicine Hat College
Introduction to Pottery
From the dawn of mankind, clay has recorded our creativity. The earliest humans skillfully formed beautiful items from clay to satisfy their artistic souls. Come explore and learn both the ancient and modern clay skills of hand building and wheel throwing. Beginners and those with some clay experience can gain confidence by creating artistic and functional pottery pieces that are glazed and fired. Clay and tools may be purchased at the first class for a small additional fee. Enjoy the thrill of bringing clay to life with your own hands! Instructors for these courses are visiting artists who are participating in the Medalta International Artist in Residence Program in partnership with Friends of Medalta.
– Session A : $149, Monday Feb 7 to Apr 4, 6:30 to 9:30 pm
– Session B: $149, Tuesday Feb 8 to Apr 5, 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Intermediate Pottery
Have you taken one or two pottery classes before and feel that you are ready for something a little different? This class is for you. We will be learning some new techniques and improving on existing ones. Both handbuilding and the pottery wheel will be explored. You will have more time to work at your own pace and pursue your own projects in an encouraging and creative atmosphere.
– Session A: $149, Wed, Feb 9 to Apr 6, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Pots for the Garden
It is never too early to start thinking of spring. What if this year you actually made some of the accessories for your garden? Various projects will be pursued such as plant pots, sculpted gargoyles, plant markers, and decorative tiles. Using bright red earthen ware clay this class explores all the fundamentals of working with clay, but will also be of interest to students with some experience.
– Session A: $149, Thur, Feb 10 to Apr 7, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Sculpture
Have you always wanted to sculpt something out of clay? Now is your chance. This class will cover some basic aspects of clay sculpture. Various sculptural techniques will be explored in a fun and supportive atmosphere. The figure, still life and experimental sculpting styles will be introduced. You do not need any previous experience with clay to enroll in this class.
– Session A: $149, Sat Feb 12 to Apr 9, 10 am to 1 pm






