Fired Up! celebrates 40 years of ceramic excellence in 2024
Honouring 40 Years
Honouring 40 Years
Honouring 40 Years includes an exhibition of special ceramics created by 28 current, former and “In Memoriam” members.
The exhibition runs April 5-May 2 at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council Gallery in Duncan. The Opening on April 4 is from 5:00-8:00. This shared event will be a lively affair, with a jazz band and finger food to enjoy. In an adjacent room, 16 members of the Cowichan Artisans are presenting their creations. “We’ve had some amazing times over the years and it’s time to celebrate together”, says Cathi Jefferson. The annual Fired Up! show and sale happens May 25 & 26, 10:00-5:00, Metchosin Hall.
The exhibition runs April 5-May 2 at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council Gallery in Duncan. The Opening on April 4 is from 5:00-8:00. This shared event will be a lively affair, with a jazz band and finger food to enjoy. In an adjacent room, 16 members of the Cowichan Artisans are presenting their creations. “We’ve had some amazing times over the years and it’s time to celebrate together”, says Cathi Jefferson. The annual Fired Up! show and sale happens May 25 & 26, 10:00-5:00, Metchosin Hall.
DETAIL: Circular Pottery Plate by Peter Flanagan.
The History
In 1984, ceramic artists Robin Hopper and Judi Dyelle organized a special pottery sale on their Metchosin property. They hosted a gathering of 12 talented and dedicated potters who shared a vision. Their goal was to inform and educate the public about the diverse nature of clay work. By exhibiting the variety and quality of their pottery, the group aimed to elevate ceramics to the field of fine art. In 2024, Fired Up! members continue to be world leaders in ceramic artistry and innovation. Their annual sale at Metchosin Hall (May 25-26 in 2024) brings together collectors and artists in an enthusiastic atmosphere. Each year a new theme with guest artists add vibrancy to the event.
In 1984, ceramic artists Robin Hopper and Judi Dyelle organized a special pottery sale on their Metchosin property. They hosted a gathering of 12 talented and dedicated potters who shared a vision. Their goal was to inform and educate the public about the diverse nature of clay work. By exhibiting the variety and quality of their pottery, the group aimed to elevate ceramics to the field of fine art. In 2024, Fired Up! members continue to be world leaders in ceramic artistry and innovation. Their annual sale at Metchosin Hall (May 25-26 in 2024) brings together collectors and artists in an enthusiastic atmosphere. Each year a new theme with guest artists add vibrancy to the event.
Vin Arora
|
Meira Mathison
|
Meira Mathison works from her Victoria studio, Dancerwood Pottery.
She is a gifted instructor who encourages independence in her students by “making it their own”. This she has done with her own uniquely shaped porcelain vessels that sport warm colours, impasto glazes and playful inlays. Mathison believes the magic ingredient that keeps Fired Up! fresh each year is the calibre of her colleagues. “When you are showing with such accomplished people,” she says, “you naturally push yourself to produce innovative, high-quality work." Over the years, her best memories are travelling with peers to conferences and group exhibitions in other cities and countries. Also, she recalls the camaraderie of wood firings, regular meetings and social times that brought the group together. "As potters we learn by seeing and talking with others," she says, "so we are ready and willing to greet the public at Fired Up!"
She is a gifted instructor who encourages independence in her students by “making it their own”. This she has done with her own uniquely shaped porcelain vessels that sport warm colours, impasto glazes and playful inlays. Mathison believes the magic ingredient that keeps Fired Up! fresh each year is the calibre of her colleagues. “When you are showing with such accomplished people,” she says, “you naturally push yourself to produce innovative, high-quality work." Over the years, her best memories are travelling with peers to conferences and group exhibitions in other cities and countries. Also, she recalls the camaraderie of wood firings, regular meetings and social times that brought the group together. "As potters we learn by seeing and talking with others," she says, "so we are ready and willing to greet the public at Fired Up!"
Alan Burgess
|
Cathi Jefferson
|
Samantha Dickie
|
Cathi Jefferson was up on the roof when the phone call came.
It was 1998 and she was fixing the chimney of her gas-fired kiln. The phone call was an invite to join Fired Up! and Jefferson was thrilled. “I took it as a good omen for the future of my kiln,” she says. Since that time, Jefferson has perfected her elegant style of salt-fired pottery. Her vessels have mottled surfaces that glow coppery-bronze. The designs on her nature-inspired forms include leaf-patterns, flora and fauna.
Jefferson explains that her pottery peers have professional standards that raise ceramics to a fine art practice. “This makes being a member of Fired Up! extraordinary and quite wonderful,” she says. Jefferson’s studio is near Duncan, nestled in a forested property on the Cowichan river. She is a passionate steward of the environment and old-growth forests. The artist works tirelessly with the clay community as a teacher and mentor to emerging potters. Jefferson is also one of 16 members of the Cowichan Artisans, who work in a variety of media, including metalwork, wood-carving, jewellery, glass and textiles. On Opening night at the Gallery, Jefferson will be smiling - surrounded by her many creative friends.
It was 1998 and she was fixing the chimney of her gas-fired kiln. The phone call was an invite to join Fired Up! and Jefferson was thrilled. “I took it as a good omen for the future of my kiln,” she says. Since that time, Jefferson has perfected her elegant style of salt-fired pottery. Her vessels have mottled surfaces that glow coppery-bronze. The designs on her nature-inspired forms include leaf-patterns, flora and fauna.
Jefferson explains that her pottery peers have professional standards that raise ceramics to a fine art practice. “This makes being a member of Fired Up! extraordinary and quite wonderful,” she says. Jefferson’s studio is near Duncan, nestled in a forested property on the Cowichan river. She is a passionate steward of the environment and old-growth forests. The artist works tirelessly with the clay community as a teacher and mentor to emerging potters. Jefferson is also one of 16 members of the Cowichan Artisans, who work in a variety of media, including metalwork, wood-carving, jewellery, glass and textiles. On Opening night at the Gallery, Jefferson will be smiling - surrounded by her many creative friends.
Kinichi Shigeno
|
Gordon Hutchens
|
Sandra Dolph
|
Peter Flanagan
|
Sandy Harquail
|
Metchosin Fired Up! potters in 1984, Sue Hara front row, far right.
Sue Hara is one former member who participated in the 1984 Metchosin show.
Sue Hara was married to Robin Hopper for many years. The two potters worked together, while raising three children. In 1984, they had separated and Robin’s new partner was Judi Dyelle. As the day of the sale approached, group members questioned Hara: “Of course you are going to have a table at the sale?” With mixed emotions, she said yes. Years later, reflecting on her decision, Hara comments: “I am so grateful I said yes, and became part of the amazing Fired Up! group. Spanning 25 years, the friendships and benefits to my ceramic career were ongoing and profound.” As a former member, Hara presents three originals at the exhibition. She had a hard time choosing but feels honoured to be showing her wares again. “I feel like I’m coming out of hiding after a long retirement.”
Sue Hara was married to Robin Hopper for many years. The two potters worked together, while raising three children. In 1984, they had separated and Robin’s new partner was Judi Dyelle. As the day of the sale approached, group members questioned Hara: “Of course you are going to have a table at the sale?” With mixed emotions, she said yes. Years later, reflecting on her decision, Hara comments: “I am so grateful I said yes, and became part of the amazing Fired Up! group. Spanning 25 years, the friendships and benefits to my ceramic career were ongoing and profound.” As a former member, Hara presents three originals at the exhibition. She had a hard time choosing but feels honoured to be showing her wares again. “I feel like I’m coming out of hiding after a long retirement.”
Fired Up! annual show is May 25 & 26, 2024 10:00-5:00, Metchosin Hall, 4401 William Head Rd, Victoria, BC V9C 3Z3
Honouring 40 Years runs April 5-May 2, at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council Gallery, 2687 James St, Duncan, BC V9L 2X5
For more info please visit Fired Up! Website HERE.
The Opening on April 4 was a lively affair with much celebration and reminiscing.
The exhibition continues April 5-May 2 at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council Gallery in Duncan.
The exhibition continues April 5-May 2 at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council Gallery in Duncan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Web Design and Content by Kate Cino Arts writer published in Focus on Victoria, Yam and Boulevard. History in Art degree and Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria This website and its content is copyright of Art Openings, 2009. All rights reserved. Written permission is required for reproduction of photos or text. [email protected] 250 598-4009 |
|