Diane Blakeley: Mother Nature: Carved in Clay and Viewed through the Lens

×

Expand

Diana Blakely, "Untitled," 2017

photograph

Artist reception: Thursday, November 2 from 7 to 9 PM

ABOUT THE SHOW:  This Exhibit marks the first time I am showing my photography.  And, together with my pottery, it marks the narrowing of my focus to scenes of landscape and wildlife. At the same time, the carvings in my clay pieces, together with the glazes and underglazes that I am using, have become more complex in an attempt to have my pottery increasingly reflect, though often in an abstract way, Mother Nature.  The inspiration for my pieces includes local sites such as Churchill with the beluga whales and the Spring Migration at Oak Hammock Marsh.  But, the beginning of my journey was AFRICA where I went on Safari in 2016.  Seeing a PARADE of elephants crossing the Serengeti at sunset fills one with awe at the majesty of our Universe.  I hope to continue exploring our natural world for years to come.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:   Diane Blakeley, a Winnipeg Native, has spent her adult life as a scientist but always has had a keen interest in the Arts and particularly the medium of clay.  Pottery classes at the Stoneware Gallery were a form of relaxation, a hobby.  She also has a lifelong love of travel and this has nurtured her interest in photography.

Since retirement she has been able to dedicate more time to her pottery and works mostly in porcelain.  She has also become more serious about her photography and soon realized that she is drawn to wildlife and landscape photography. 

ARTIST STATEMENT:  I have always wanted to be a potter, to feel and mold clay.  Since my retirement my hobbies have become my passion.  Recently I have combined my love for working with clay and my love for photography, with a particular interest in wildlife and landscapes.  

I find the two art forms very complimentary and, with the combination, have finally found my own voice with my art.  I love to carve images into the clay making each piece unique and, of course, images I capture with my camera are increasingly inspiring my carvings.  My travels also serve as a source of inspiration for my art.  

I consider myself truly blessed to be able to follow this path in my retirement, exploring the world of Mother Nature.