Pottery in Motion

30 December 2024Brynn W, Mack ‘25

On Friday, December 6, Handbuilt and 3D Wheel Pottery students ventured to Duncan for the ceramics exhibition “The Art of Fire.” The Cowichan Valley Arts Council hosts this show to celebrate Cowichan potters who work with the age-old method of using gasses created by different fuels to dictate colours and finishes.

This exhibition focuses mainly on the glazing process the potters are using to complete their work. As pottery students are learning about and experimenting with glazes, this exhibition couldn’t come at a better time. Through Feature Friday presentations, students have been introduced to a variety of artists across the globe. Still, this field trip offered a look into the talented potters right here in the Cowichan Valley.

The exhibit included a multitude of glaze techniques by a variety of local artists. The group looked at Raku, soda, pit, glazing, etc., and bottle kilns as they explored the various glazing and firing methods, both historical and current.

Curator Dr Jasmine Obertski led the group around the gallery and shared her insight on the value of learning the background of firing: “It’s very inspiring to see different types of pottery, especially of student potters. Learning the background of pottery is very eye-opening for young potters”. Nikita F, Alex ‘25, added, “It really opened my mind to how expansive pottery is as a medium, and the different functionalities were very cool and interesting. The world of pottery has so many possibilities.”

A big shout out and thank you to Mr Lyons and Mr Burgess, who organized this field trip! Brentwood’s potters learned so much about the intricacies of this hands-on art form.

Brynn W, Mack ‘25

Where Students Choose To Be