Throw, Slip, Spin: Studio Ceramics from the AGGV Collection

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Byron Johnstad, "Carved stoneware bowl," 1977-1982

stoneware, glaze, light blue cobalt, 16.8 x 22.3 cm, George & Lola Kidd Purchase Fund

The AGGV’s interest in pottery dates back to the institution’s early years, however, recent exhibitions such as Back to the Land: Ceramics from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands 1970-1985 (2012) and Life with Clay: Pottery & Sculpture by Jan and Helga Grove (2017) encouraged new attention to the development of the AGGV’s collection of modern and contemporary ceramics. All of the works included this new exhibition were acquired by the Gallery since 2012.

“While the AGGV’s interest in ceramics pre-dates the 2012 exhibition (the first work by a living ceramicist, Dexter Pettigrew, was acquired in 1958), Back to the Land was a seminal moment for the Gallery,” said AGGV Chief Curator and exhibition curator, Michelle Jacques. “It was an indicator of the importance and vitality of ceramic art and artists to the cultural history of this region, and a clear demonstration of the connection that AGGV visitors felt to works of ceramic art.”

Throw, Slip, Spin: Studio Ceramics from the AGGV Collection includes works by: Robert Archambeau, John Chalke, Walter Dexter, Ed Drahanchuk, Judi Dyelle, Mas Funo, Jan Grove, Helga Grove, Robin Hopper, Gordon Hutchens, Wayne Ngan, Lynne Johnson, Byron Johnstad, Glenn Lewis, Bertha Martin, Agnes Olive, Mary Osborne, Greg Payce, Terry Ryals, and Cheri Sydor.

‘”The title Throw, Slip, Spin refers to the physical relationship between ceramic artists and their materials; perhaps this physicality is one of the things that makes ceramics so accessible. We can imagine the feel of the finished objects; we’re used to using ceramics in daily life. We can even imagine the feel of the medium from which they were made, because clay – which is really just earth - is the most fundamental of materials” said Jacques.