Throwing Boot Campers

Today was the last day for my Throwing Boot Camp course at the Burlington Art Centre. I put 9 willing students through the paces this week with the intent of improving their throwing skills over the span of 5 days. I am pleased to say that the didn't disappoint! It was amazing comparing the pieces thrown on day 1 to the ones thrown on day 5. The week consisted of tons of tons of throwing, many exercises including throwing blindfolded, being timed, throwing to collapse, repeating forms and so on. Everyone was a great sport and went along with all the things I asked from them - even the hour+ of wedging practice on day 2! They were a great group to work with and I loved every minute of it! My last act of torture was to have them throw 5lbs of clay ... which for many was more than they have ever done before (or for a long time). But they did it, with some fantastic results. I have to say that I was a proud mama seeing how much everyone had progressed - so rewarding for a teacher!


Athanasia and her 5lb bowl


Penny and her 5lb bowl


Penny`s Copy and Repeat Bowls!


Darryl with his Super Plate


Ruth and her 5lb Tulip Bowl


Maggie trimming her Deep Bowl


The room just before clean up on Day 5 - Darryl and M.A.

Thanks for a great week guys!

Summer Showing

Well, its that time again for the summer show season. It seems like all the shows are squished together in back to back sequence. Someone asked me at a studio tour why this is ... I didn't have a great answer other than that spring is the time when people start looking for handmade work for wedding gifts and the summer is just a good time for outdoor shows. This does make it difficult as an artist as many of the shows overlap and you have to make a decision on where to go. This past weekend for example was the Beyond the Valley Studio Tour (www.beyondthevalley.ca) where I am a guest at one of the studios (and participated in) and the Guelph Potters Market (www.thepottersmarket.ca) which is a great all pottery event that many of my contemporaries participate in that has a great vibe that I had to take a pass on.

This weekend I am heading to Ottawa for the New Art Festival - www.artinfoboy.org for information and listing of artists. This outdoor art festival in the Glebe district has been running for a number of years organized by a grassroots group of artists from Ottawa to showcase both local artists and other from Ontario and Quebec. It is a great mix of work in all media. As soon as my kiln cools enough to unload the last batch of work, I'll be hitting the road.



Here are a few photos from this past weekend's tour of some of my new colour pots that I will bringing to Ottawa:

Cappuccino Cups



Dip Bowls

McMaster Celebration of Research Excellence

Last Tuesday I was a guest at a special dinner at the new McMaster Innovation Park celebrating research excellence by McMaster University Researcher. This event was hosted by Mac President and Vice Chancellor Peter George and Mo Elbestawi, Vice President of Research and International Affairs. I was asked by the organizers to design and produce a special goblet for Peter George and wine cups for each of the researchers who were honoured that evening. It was a short deadline (less than 2 weeks) but I did it. I made 4 goblets (just in case) and over 70 wine cups. Each had an impression of a leaf symbolizing the renewal of the MIP site that I custom designed as well as an impression of a second leaf, the pattern of this one, taken from some wire mesh I obtained from the site during the demolition of the older factory buildings from the site. Each cup was made in white porcelain and had a coloured interior. This tied in to the theme of "from black and white to living colour". It was a fantastic and challenging project to take on.

An Exciting New Project

I am pleased to be part of an exciting new artist cooperative in Hamilton - AllSorts Gallery. This gallery will soon be opening in the Ottawa Street BIA at 244 Ottawa Street North in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Once known as the textile district, this area of the community is gaining a reputation as an art, retail and design destination for Hamilton and Toronto. We are currently looking for artists in all media who are interested in becoming members of this exciting new gallery and accessing a year-round retail sales outlet for their work. A public information session will be held on February 27th from 10am to 2pm at the Ottawa Street BIA - 204 Ottawa Street North. For more information or for an application please contact me at tara@allsortsgallery.com. Please also visit our website for more information - www.allsortsgallery.com. This website is new and will continue to be updated as time goes on.

Red Hot and Handmade for Your Loved One

I had fun making these special cappuccino cups that would be a great gift for Valentine's Day. They are white porcelain on the outide and a brilliant red on the inside. I also have one with a purple interior. They are available at Textures on Locke Street in Hamilton or directly from me.

Solo Exhibtion photos

Here are a few photos of my exhibition which is on right now until January 31st at the Carnegie Gallery in Dundas, Ontario.