Eclectic Elements is the new exhibit at the Gallery at Artisan Square. The show, which runs until August 7, focuses on the theme of diversity in form and function.
This wide-ranging exhibit showcases four Bowen ceramicists - Bob Bates, Babette Deggan, Russell Hackney, and Jeanne Sarich - plus three ceramic artists from the Vancouver area - Suzy Birstein, Debra Sloan, and Suzanne Starr - and paintings by Aileen Marie Vantomme.
The works of these artists are not only unique, but also incredibly different within the show, creating an exciting and varied atmosphere that aesthetically will be full of surprises.
Bob Bates, a well-known local artist, delivered a large colourful (and very heavy) piece to the gallery last Sunday, a piece that will have you looking for recognizable features in its abstract and textured shape.
Also well-established artists on the island, Babette Deggan and Jeanne Sarrich have contributed more traditional pottery to the show. Babette says that pottery has been a life-long passion and her love for the art is showcased in her work.
Jeanne's pieces are inspired by "the perfection of Sung Dynasty Chinese ceramics, the asymmetry of Momoyama Japanese ceramic objects and the quiet beauty of the Koryo and Yi Dynasty Korean work."
Russell Hackney works in "slip casting", an interesting method which facilitates unique results. One of his notable achievements recently was modeling a replica of a 19th Century clock that was presented to the Queen.
Suzy Birstein's work is instantly recognizable. Her exciting and colourful sculptures combine her passions for music and culture and create a mosaic of colour and shapes.
Debra Sloan contributes clay sculptures that curve in a way that create an organic and natural aesthetic quality which makes her work special and mesmerizing.
Suzanne Starr works in clay because she "loves the search for a beautiful shape - just the right curve, the over-all balance" which results in an organic and graceful collection. She also works with smoke-fired vessels, a firing technique where the pieces are "fired in a primitive outdoor kiln to encourage marks and blushes of colour on the canvas of the vessel", resulting in fiery and natural colours.
Aileen Vantomme's paintings are an outlet for emotional release with each of her abstract works painting a vivid story.
The artists' reception is this Sunday, July 24 from 2 - 4 pm. Please join us for a many-splendoured visually diverse afternoon.
LINA MARTIN-CHAN, Gallery at Artisan Square
