COLUMBIA

President’s Message

This year the guild will have been in existence for 55 years. I
think that’s quite an achievement. Of course, an organization like
ours doesn’t run on its own; it takes the collective efforts of all of
its members. It is time to say a huge THANK YOU to the many
volunteers who donate their time and skills to make this organization
work. We simply couldn't manage without your help!

As spring approaches, so does the Annual General Meeting. It will
be a bit later than usual (June 5), because of vacations and the major
change-over of board members that is taking place this year. We

are currently seeking new board members, particularly those who
can assist with event management. If you are interested in shaping
the future of this organization by joining the board, or if you know
someone who would be a good candidate, please contact me or any
other board member for more information.

And, hey, if you have some ideas for guild activities, no contribution

is too small. We'd love to hear from you, too.

—Jinny Whitehead

Ga | le ry N @wWS By Sharon Cohen

“Tt’s so peaceful!”

These were the words of Charmian Johnson
on seeing our Vancouver Collects exhibition,
featuring Doris Shabolt’s personal collection,
on loan to us from the Morris and Helen
Belkin Art Gallery at UBC. Charmian is
tight; for the most part theyre quiet pots,
understated and perfect in their structure
and their aesthetic. Despite the fact that the
overall impression is one of subtlety and
gentle harmony, there are some large and
imposing pieces, pieces with a raw energy (to
quote Debra Sloan, another of many artists
who visited the show.) Glenn Lewis has a
large vase that epitomizes raw energy, and the
same description applies to Michael Henry's
oversized lidded pot. In total contrast are the
diminutive porcelain pieces by Charmian
Johnson and John Reeve—exquisite delicacy,
so beautiful.

Several aspects of this exhibition have
resonated with me, and with others. I love
the fact that it’s simultaneously historical
and personal. It shows work spanning several
decades and several artists, and acts as a real
showcase for the pottery movement Dianna
Waggoner described so eloquently in her
article in last month’s newsletter. At the
same time, it is Doris Shadbolt’s kitchen or
her dinner table. I almost feel as if I’m in her
home enjoying her hospitality—how nice!

T’ve also enjoyed the fact that this exhibition
has proven to be such a springboard for
discussion and interaction. Potters, and to
a lesser extent members of the public, find
the displayed work a catalyst for discussion
and the sharing of anecdotes, both technical
and personal. I’ve heard such statements as,
“This was SUCH a nice clay to work with”
and “Charmian Johnson was my art teacher
in Grade Six!”

Most gratifying of all, is the cross-
generational phenomenon I seem to be
witnessing. Young Emily Carr University art
students have been in, and I’ve solicited their
opinions, wondering if they may find the
work too conservative or traditional for their
tastes. On the contrary, they’ve been filled
with awe and admiration. I sense a profound
respect for the work of the masters from
this up-and-coming generation of potters.
Likewise, out of curiosity, I asked Charmian
Johnson what she thought of Claire Madill’s
work. Claire is one of our juried gallery artists
and a recent Emily Carr graduate. Charmian
loved Claire's work, and described it as true
art, which really gladdened me. What a treat
when an exhibition can. generate so much
dialogue and discovery.

Retail Jury
Call for Entry

The annual retail jury for the Gallery
of BC Ceramics will be held on April 16,
2010. The submission deadline is April
15, 2010. Please follow the submission
guidelines on www.bcpotters.com/
Gallery/forms/2009_Gallery_Jury_
Application.pdf and send in your
We

welcoming guild members as new juried

application. look forward to

artists in the gallery.

Truly inspiring work from Doris Shadbolt’s collection graced the gallery for the month of
March.

Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - April 2010