Two Powell River artists are part of an exhibit at the Gallery of BC Ceramics on Granville Island in Vancouver during November.
Ron Robb and Jan Lovewell, of Rare Earth Pottery in Lund, built a wood-fired kiln with Jinny Whitehead and Pia Sillem. The exhibit, which runs from November 1 to 27, celebrates their collaboration and the pottery from the Earls Cove kiln since the first firing in January 2009.
“After many years of making raku pottery, my husband, Ron Robb, and I wanted to expand our creative capacity,” said Lovewell. “We considered various options and became most interested in firing with wood, both for its aesthetic potential and its use of local, non-fossil fuel.”
The four artists began their collaboration in March 2007, after travelling to different kilns and learning from many experienced potters. They built the kiln over a two-year period at Sillem’s home in Earls Cove. “Making pots to wood fire is like preparing canvases on which the flames will paint,” said Lovewell. “They can build a depth and richness of surface and colour that can only be found in nature.”
The process takes a number of days. The first day is devoted to loading the kiln, which is lit the next morning. It is stoked every 10 to 15 minutes and, after 24 hours, the temperature rises to about 1,287° Celsius, where it is held for the next 50 to 52 hours while the artists fire their creations.
Wood firing offers a direct connection to fire, air, earth and wood, Lovewell explained. “During the long, hot hours of stoking, flames travel around the pots, depositing ash, which melts onto the clay and creates the colourful, lively, organic surfaces sought by wood-firing enthusiasts,” she said. “This is a group effort, which brings us friendship and camaraderie with like-minded artists in a stunning rural environment.”
Firing with wood has opened a vast new range of creative possibilities for Lovewell, she added. “I have been experimenting with various clays, glazes and forms,” she said. “It has provided a new palette for my masks and I enjoy being able at last to make functional ware for my own kitchen and to share.”
An opening reception for the exhibit takes place from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, November 1. The artists will be in attendance.
Powell River filmmaker David Molyneaux will attend the opening as well, because his video, Into the Fire, will be shown during the exhibit. The 16-minute video shows the artists loading, firing and unloading the kiln. It can be viewed at vimeo.com/14532367.
