I am at home in the heart of the Canadian Shield. Although I am one of the few potters in the area, I have continued to work with clay for over 20 years. After studying and living across Canada and England, I moved home and set out to balance a teaching career with making pottery.
I realized early that working in clay is a study, an evolution, a scientific process embedded in creative expression. With all the infinite qualities and possibilities of clay, I wanted to explore them all… Inspiration comes from our distinct seasons, the incredible geology, and wide open colourful skies. At times in design, I feel myself trapped in expressing what I see outside with what was originally intended on the piece. A series set out for ice and Northern Lights suddenly needs leaves and berries painted on, or reeds and cattails carved expressing the lines on the shores of Amisk Lake. I am amazed at the plant life that appears every year and at those that survive clinging to the small crevices in the rock; much like our ancestors before us without all the amenities of today. |
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Just the Facts:
Clay - a white midfire blend of porcelain and stoneware Primary Forming Method - throwing on the wheel Primary Firing - I fire in an oxidation atmosphere however I am altering the heating/cooling and soaking temperatures attempting to mimic reduction and crystalline firings. Favorite Surface Treatment - I love to carve on leather hard clay spending hours on a piece but then keeping it in my private collection as I become attached to it. Favorite Tools - The round and triangular version of Kemper's Trimming Tools |
The pieces below are samples of my work; many of these have sold, but you can see current pieces at the NorVA Centre or contact me at angelski.ej@gmail.com