3 minute read
Heather Dynes Smit
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Canada has a handful of College & University ceramics courses offered across Canada. Heather studied at Kootenay School of the Arts (Now Selkirk College) in Nelson, British Colombia.
She commented, “I began my study of clay originally as a metal student at Kootenay School. The soft slab, hand building process is a direct reference to the construction of old-timey, worn tin ware I am interested in the development of relationship created by placement and repetition, and the use of functional ceramics to create sculptural works. I have participated in residencies, given workshops and lectures and have exhibited my work across Canada and the “The work is hand-built, soft-slab, and woodfired. The pots I make are an exploration of how sculptural form, function and simplicity can exist in the everyday, utilitarian object. The soft slab, hand-building process is a direct reference to the construction of old-timey, worn tin ware. Surfaces are created through wood firing that helps evoke a sense of nostalgia, creating a dialogue of memory between user and maker through everyday use."
How to market work is a perpetual issue and the growth of the internet has not just changed things but added a new dimension. But how do you approach somewhere as large as Canada? She commented, “Through galleries, invitational exhibitions and through my on-line shop at thehandbuilder.com.“
Side handle teapot
Photo; Artist
Galleries she has shown in recently are: General Fine Craft, Almont ON Benz Gallery, London, ON Blue Gallery, Thornbury, ON HSquared Gallery, Fernie, BC Alexis Templeton Studio, St John's, NF and School House Gallery, Star, NC
In the UK there is the Crafts Council who take an active role in promoting makers, through their own gallery, running courses, lobbying and their international ‘flagship’ show COLLECT. So, how does it work in Canada? She commented, “The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate to “foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.” Canada Council for the Arts.” https://canadacouncil.ca/about
Wood fired pitchers Photo; Artist Ash & Barrel Invitational Exhibition Spring 2022 www.ashandbarrel.com (Photo: Artist
Soft slab mug Photo: Artist
“My studio is a standard two car garage attached to my home”.
Wood fired feed scoops Photo: Artist
Opposite: Soda Introduction. Photo: Bruce CARFAC Canada stands for Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC) and is incorporated federally as a non-profit corporation that is the national voice of Canada’s professional visual artists. As a nonprofit association and a National Art Service Organisation, the mandate is to promote the visual arts in Canada, to promote a socio-economic climate that is conducive to their production, and to conduct research and engage in public education for these purposes.
It was established by artists in 1968 and has been recognised by the Status of the Artist legislation. CARFAC is guided by an active Board, elected by the membership.
They believe that artists, like professionals in other fields, should be paid for their work and share equitably in profits from their work. As the national voice of Canada’s professional visual artists, CARFAC defends artists’ economic and legal rights and educates the public on fair dealing with artists. In doing so, CARFAC promotes a socioeconomic climate conducive to the production of visual arts. It engages actively in advocacy, lobbying, research and public education on behalf of artists in Canada.” CARFAC CANADA https://www.carfac.ca/
