Table Salt

Table Salt

The Gallery of BC Ceramics is pleased to present “Table Salt”, showcasing six BC potters producing functional tableware for daily use. They all fire using the salt glaze process, a traditional method which incorporates the introduction of salt crystals into the kiln during the hottest part of the firing process to form a glaze on the surface of the pots.

The resulting surface varies according to the placement of the piece in the kiln, the amount of salt used, the direction of the flame, and the individual recipes and firing techniques of each artist.

Cathi Jefferson, from Duncan, BC, fires a propane kiln and uses a smooth, porcelainous stoneware clay. She decorates her distinctive work with colours and images from nature.

Lari Robson of Saltspring Island, fires in an oil-drip kiln. His forms are rooted in tradition, but his pots convey his sensitivity to clay and skill in letting it express itself.

Jackie Frioud fires a natural gas kiln in Horseshoe Bay, BC. She uses a sandy clay body and likes clean, contemporary design and creating stacking and nesting sets.

Sandra Ramos, from the Sunshine Coast, fires a wood kiln. Her work is a combination of thrown and altered and handbuilt pieces with subtle texture and colour and an Asian influence.

Vincent Massey’s pottery is fired in a gas kiln in Whistler. His generous forms and gestural use of painterly design are distinctively his own.

Gunda Stewart, from Canyon BC, fires a wood kiln and mixes her own clay in horse trough. Her strong, quiet pots are a pleasure to use and live with.