Coalescence by Brenda Danbrook

Coalescence

by ceramic artist Brenda Danbrook
March 29 – May 3, 2014

Opening Reception: 2-4 pm, Saturday, March 29

This
body of work developed out of a passion for functional ceramics and
interest in work that explores the ceramic narrative. The imagery and
pattern used as an embellishment not only fits decoratively, but is
placed intentionally to increase the sense of vitality.  
In
a domestic setting a ceramic vessel has the opportunity to express a
visual experience beyond the very useful and tactile qualities. This
series honours the individual user and embraces the family by evocating
groupings intended to be used to serve a specific function and to
enhance a special event such as Sunday breakfast.  

“In my daily practice, I strive to find a balance between form,
function and imagery that come together in unity to heighten an object’s
utility, which placed in the hands of the user, brings an experience or
connection to their daily life.” 
Danbrook owns and operates a pottery studio in Opal, Alberta. In 2006,
with support from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Brenda began to
pursue an education in visual art as a means of expanding and deepening
her existing artistic practice in clay. She studied in Jingdehzen, China
with the Australian National University, where she received a Diploma
of Art (with high distinction). Brenda also received a Diploma in Visual
Art from Red Deer College (2010), and a BFA (with distinction) from the
Alberta College of Art + Design (2013). She has exhibited ceramics both
nationally and internationally. 
Brenda’s work is included in the ACC’s group exhibition Potworks which
has travelled to the Yuill Gallery, Medicine Hat, and will be at Red
Deer College during SERIES this summer. Brenda’s work is represented in
various private and corporate collections including the Institutions she
attended, the Canadian Consulate (Australia) and the AFA (2010). Brenda
has also been the recipient of numerous awards, scholarships and
grants, including the Illingworth Kerr and Louise McKinney Scholarships.

Coalescence runs
in the Alberta Craft Council’s Discovery Gallery, 10186 – 106 Street
from March 29 – May 3, 2014 with an opening reception on Saturday, March
29 from 2-4pm.  

 
For more information on this exhibition contact Joanne Hamel
(780) 488-6611 ext 221  |  [email protected] or visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca
ACC Discovery Gallery | 10186 – 106 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 1H4

NCECA eye candy

There was far too much to do, far too much to see, far too many lovely people to meet over the last week in Milwaukee at NCECA. It had been the Portland NCECA years ago since I had last attended the annual conference. The clay world, and my role and engagement in it had changed substantially since. Take any full time parent and artist out of their day to day and place them in the all inspiring world of exhibitions, talks, and 2 in the morning late night chats with old friends about art and the result will likely be the overwhelmed yet childlike wonder and excitement that I felt over the last week. It wasn’t an exaggeration that I felt like a kid at Christmas. Seeing some of my favorite artists’ work in the flesh meant more in depth investigation and engagement in their work. Having my eyes opened to new, vibrant and challenging art also meant that I felt I needed to spend more time researching and expanding my views on contemporary ceramics. I have had my eyes and mind opened to the value, strength and support that this inclusive clay community offers.

There were so many ideas and discussions that I want to continue here online, and hopefully over the next few weeks once the thoughts have peculated and settled a bit (and of course when i can carve out some time) I’ll try to get posting some more thoughts on the blog again. I feel like that’s been something that has been missing over the years, something I’d like to grow. Perhaps I can try harder to get some of the amazing minds of this community doing more guest posts on the blog as well. If you’re interested or know someone please drop me a line!

For now it’s time for me to dive back into the studio; for 2 reasons. One because the last week was so damn inspiring and 2 because I’ve got bare shelves and a major sale at the end of April!

Thanks to everyone that made the point of stopping me and introducing themselves. I can’t remember the last time I received so many hugs or felt so happy. It really meant the world to me.

xoxox
Carole

emerging artist: Jennifer Hansen Gard


My interest lies in medicinal herbs and plants that directly
affect the body. I am interested in using the ceramic vessel the explore
ethnobotony, which is defined as the study of “the relationship between people
and plants including various aspects of how plants are used for food . . . and
medicine” (Rai, Acharya, & Rios, 2011). As an artist I am questioning what
is the role of the plant in today’s society? What connects plants and people? I
am working to explore the relationship between plants and people through the
ceramic vessel.
I have set out to better understand specific plants through
researching the growing, harvest, and consumption. I supplement my ceramics
studio practice with a growing practice that includes an Herb Garden and greenhouse growing. I considered specific plant
needs for example companion planting and root structure in designing and
building growing containers. I used my hands to transform the clay through pushing,
pinching, and pulling creating vessels of containment.
 
At the same time I am growing, harvesting, and creating vessels
specific for the herbs I am also integrating vessels into my daily life. I
recently created a dish set that I used for every meal for a 30 days period. I
was thinking about the throw away culture we live in and how disconnected it is
from the growing practice that I am so deeply involved in. I question shouldn’t
what we eat and drink from have more value than trash? I performed the 30 Days
Project Part II later called The Dish Set
Challenge I
through the month of November with a dish set that includes a
cup, bowl, and plate. I used it for every meal recording through photos and
updates on my blog. In December, I create The
Dish Set Challenge II
with my husband Forrest where we used a connected dish
set plate, bowl and cup for every meal for one week. You can view both projects
at  gardclaystudios.blogspot.com

The work displayed in Coeval
as a product of my growing practice and includes turmeric, cayenne, and
moonseeds held in balance with a social practice. The Dish Set Challenge III will take place during the duration of
the exhibition from January 10th through February 7th,
2014. The project involves the help of five participants Belenda
Flucker, Aurelio Diaz, Keith Karchella. Violeta Chinni, and Jenny Lucas
Kaufman. These five participants and myself will be competing a 28 day Dish Set Challenge. The participants
will be presented with a handmade dish set made specifically for them. They
will eat and drink from it every day during the course of the exhibition. Each
day the participants will post on a group blog recording meals and reflecting
as they experience the project. The project
will commence at the opening reception with a meal that I prepare from 100%
local food I have collected from farms surrounding Mansfield. You can view the
projects daily progress at