The Ottawa Guild of Potters is Fired Up for a Spring Exhibition and Sale: April 15-18
The Ottawa Guild of Potters is Fired Up to bring you the latest pots and sculptural work, hot from the kiln! Don’t miss the Spring Sale event with the juried exhibition of recent pieces by over 50 artists from this area.
Between April 15th and 18th you can peruse their work and find out how and why they love to do what they do.
This spring, the recipient of our charity sales will be The Ottawa Senators Foundation : www.sensfoundation.com The Hellenic Community Centre, which is helping to sponsor the event, is at 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, south of Baseline Rd., with plenty of accessible parking.
Check out our website at www.ottawaguildofpotters.ca for more information on the Guild and our activities.
Ottawa ceramics artist Sylvie Parisien shares some insight into her work in this interview:
What does participating in the Ottawa Guild of Potters Sale and Exhibit mean to you as an artisan?
This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my work in the Ottawa area in a venue that is primarily for functional pottery. Though I do produce many functional pieces, my approach tends to be more original, unique and artistic. As I started to sell my work only in the fall of 2008, I am a relative newcomer. My objective is to have my work seen by a broader public and develop additional opportunities to exhibit.
What is the most exciting thing about your preparations for the show?
The most exciting thing for me is my new series of manipulated ceramic forms called Lilith. The vases I created for this series are very sensual and reminiscent of the curved back of a woman. They are as sexy as I have ever seen a vase to be!
Lilith by Sylvie Parisien
If someone was writing a newspaper article about you and your work what are the three most important things that you would like people to know?
First, how passionate I am about what I do. Each piece I bring to life is intimately crafted and meticulously finished. I bring my best to the table.
Second, I love to experiment and this can yield surprising and extraordinary results. I strive to bring together the organic nature of the porcelain with my eye for aesthetics. I want pieces that are fine and elegant and that communicate with my clients and collectors.
Finally, I aim to bring new work and new designs to each of my exhibitions so that my pieces are truly one-of-a-kind, original, and unique in nature.
What is the price range of your work?
You can purchase some of my pieces for as little as $25.00 for a custom-glazed mug, and as high as $800.00 for a sculptural piece, so there is something for every budget.
Which of your products do you think makes the perfect gift and why? Please describe the product and provide its price.
Any of my pieces makes for a beautiful, unique gift, because the same meticulous care and intricate work goes into each. From a custom-glazed coffee mug at $25.00 to a wood-ash glazed serving bowl ranging from $65.00 to $145.00…any of these would delight the cook in your house looking for something beautiful yet practical. For those looking for something more purely artistic, there’s a large selection of decorative vases and bottles that vary in prices from $65.00 to $158.00 (dependent on the size and the glaze) and sculptural pieces that reach up to $800.
Majic Vase by Sylvie Parisien
Where/how did you learn your trade?
I have worked at crafts from a very young age. I started knitting when I was five years old. I did weaving with my mother from the age of eight, and used to sew most of my clothes when I was a teenager. For ceramics, I studied briefly with master potter Jason L’Abbé and learned the rest myself through self-study and experimentation, applying the motto: “try it and see.”
What inspired you to pursue your art or craft?
From the first moment I started handling clay, I knew I could never go back. One secret weapon I have at my disposal is my husband, who is also very aesthetically inclined, has been very supportive from the beginning, and who provides me with ongoing feedback. I get inspired by everything I see around me, but most often by nature. I have visions or dreams of completed projects, and my job is to then find the right path to bring these to life.
Did you or do you currently have another profession? If so, what was/is it?
I am an administrator for a small communications firm.
Do you work alone or with a partner?
I work alone, but I lean greatly on my family for inspiration and support.
Have you ever won any awards for your work?
I am still relatively new to exhibiting my work. I consider any acceptance to a juried exhibition an award. To date, I have been juried into such exhibitions as The New Art Festival in Ottawa, the Ottawa’ s Byward market for both my paintings and my ceramic work, the Ottawa Guild of Potters “Symphony” May 2009 Held in Toronto, the Ottawa Guild of Potter Sales 2010, 2009 and 2008 and now, One of A Kind in Toronto.
Peacock bowl
Do you have any interesting stories to share about your work? Is there something new or exciting you are creating specifically for the next show?
My latest direction is called the Lilith Series. I dedicate it to all women who strive to succeed. It is inspired by the form of the Cally Lilly. However, Lilith is originally a biblical figure; a woman who would not obey her husband. So this series of vases is as elegant and playful as they are sensual. It’s a reflection of the passion that carries me and pushes me to keep making new, wonderful forms that will delight my clients.
Are you a member of a regional or provincial art or craft organization? If so, which ones?
I am a member of the Ontario Craft Council, Fusion, and the Ottawa Guild of Potters.
What gives you the greatest amount of inspiration?
My family is definitely my greatest source of strength. My inspiration starts with them, wanders around the garden, and then ends with them.
Check out The Potters Guild website at www.ottawaguildofpotters.ca for more information on the Guild and their activities.
Sylvie Parisien’s Sun Slip ceramics website: http://sunslipceramics.blogspot.com/
Tags: ceramic art, En feu, Fired Up, Ottawa Potters Guild, Sun Slip Ceramics, Sylvie Parisien, The Ottawa Senators Foundation
