Photo Karen Graham.
Tea pots and mugs created by Jane Wilson exhibit a carving technique resulting in fine grooves in the pieces which also feature a burnished bronze colour created by the application of copper. These will be among the works on display at this weekend’s Open Studio showcasing works by six local artists.
This weekend, ceramic artist Jane Wilson opens the doors to her private studio at her home at 700 Carmel Line for an Open Studio event showcasing the work of six local artists.
Among the exhibits are paintings by JoEllen Brydon and Esperanca Melo, drawings by Grace Glass, wood items from John Ireland, garden fish by Barbara Walker, and porcelain pieces by Jane Wilson.
This is not a random collection of artists: all have known each other for many years. They joined forces with other local talents in the original Millbrook Gallery which operated as a co-operative. In addition to mounting shows every few months, the group hosted concerts, book launches and reading series from its founding in 1995 until 2002.
Jane has been a professional potter for her entire career, having studied ceramics at Georgian College and Banff School of Fine Arts. Her award-winning works have been the subject of both solo and ground exhibitions across North America. Her pieces continue to be available in prestigious venues including Toronto’s Gardiner Museum of ceramics located across from the Royal Ontario Museum.
Jane’s works are organic in shape and while they seem delicate, the high temperature firing they have received make them functional. The surfaces of her pieces rely on a variety of deocarating techniques, including colour layers, gold edges and carving. In the carved items the surface is marketed with a very sharp tool and overlaid with coloured material. The excess material is scraped off, revealing the fine lines creating an image similar to an etching.
It is with excitement and trepidation that Jane opens the door at the schoolhouse she has called home for more than 40 years with her late husband Ted Hodgetts who was also a gifted craftsman in wood. COVID protocols will be in place.
The Open Studio operates during the weekend of October 2nd from 11 am to 4pm, and by appointment thereafter until October 17th. To learn more or to book an appointment, contact Jane at hodgwils@nexicom.net. KG
