"Together" featuring Jamie Jardine of London & Vera Vicente of Montreal

The exhibition "Together" brings together two artists working in different media. Jamie with paint and Vera with clay have both created evocative and sensual abstract works. Their creations demand of us contemplation for their full enjoyment. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “Voluptuous” as ‘full of delight or pleasure to the senses: conducive to or arising from sensuous or sensual gratification’. The exhibition “Together” could also be described as voluptuous.

In “Together” Jamie’s paintings become the visual expression of the sensual delight of caressing one of Vera’s sculptures while Vera’s sculptures become the visceral manifestation of the visual experience of Jamie’s paintings.

“Together” it is an experience......and so reads the info panel on the invitation that will be going in the post on Saturday morning. As simple as the title 'Together' may be it didn't present itself quite so simply. Choosing a name for an exhibition is never really that easy. I wanted a title that was evocative and in the middle of the night it all came together. Pairing artists working in different media is the perfect opportunity for people to see art in the way it may be presented in their own homes. Ceramic art injects a three dimensional element that makes a room more exciting. 

In November the gallery hosted "Abstracts in the Home II" featuring the abstract expressionist paintings of the founder of Painters Eleven's William Ronald. Walter Dexter, Canada's abstract expressionist of clay, was the artist featured with Ronald. Thanks to London's Kingsmill's department store we had the added benefit of quality furnishings to even more creatively showcase the pairing of Ronald's & Dexter's art. Visitors to the exhibition remarked on how well the paintings worked with the ceramics. It was almost as if the artists had collaborated the pieces went together so well. The additional element to the exhibition was Jamie's display of abstract paintings in the iconic island window of Kingsmill's department store at 130 Dundas St. in down town London. 

Jamie Jardine 2012 image size 4' x 3' (122cm x  91.5cm)

Jamie Jardine has been exhibiting with the gallery since 2000. During that time he has had a minimum of one solo exhibition a year. The themes of the all the exhibitions up until now have been representational and primarily landscape inspired (France, Italy, England, Nunavut, Northern Canada, Saskatchewan) with the occasional cityscapes. Jamie's work 

Jamie has also painted abstracts and other than the fortunate few who own them not many are aware of this fact. This year’s exhibition is a presentation of his latest abstract work.While to paint a landscape is to paint what is there, to paint an abstract is often to paint an emotion. In 2000 after a successful sold out show Jamie was having difficulty getting back to painting. His success was, in a way, stifling him. To précis a long conversation I essentially told him to go for it; experiment, take chances, paint what you want not what you think is expected. In this exhibition he does that; he challenges us to see and gives us something we are not expecting. This body of work is a depiction of the visualization of emotion.

Vera Vicente, of Montreal, Quebec,  has been exhibiting with the gallery since 2001 when she participated in the first Matter of Clay exhibition. Since that exhibition Vera has participated in numerous group shows in the gallery and her work has developed a core following. Collectors are attracted to her strongly sensual sculptures.

Vera’s sculpture’s, deceptively simple in form, are the culmination of a time consuming coil-built technique. From conception to completion months can transpire. The final touch, the stopper, can also take months before even the right shape is decided upon. While Vera’s vessels are not functional her stoppers offer to the interior a beautifully sculpted surface, honouring the original purpose of a vessel: that of containment. This surface is only seen by the viewer when physically removed from the vessel. Essentially the beholder can not experience fully the beauty of the pot without physically engaging it, to come together with it through handling. 

William Ronald Painters Eleven "Abstracts at Home II"

Everyone has been asking what has been going on. Suffice to say that it has been a totally crazy time and Brian and I have been really busy getting things ready in the gallery for the upcoming show featuring William Ronald and Walter Dexter two of Canada's most important abstract expressionists. Odds are if you are a fan of abstract painting then you already know about William Ronald the founder of Painters Eleven (1953-1960). If you are on this because of an interest in ceramics then you are already aware of Walter Dexter, a ceramic artist, from Victoria, BC who is is represented in major collections throughout Canada and internationally.

The William Ronald paintings come directly from the the family, in particular from Helen Ronald, his widow and  Suzanne, his daughter. Consequently the work has an impeccable pedigree. In 1953 William Ronald was frustrated with the trying to get the public interested in his non-representational paintings. He was not alone. This was a common sentiment with a number of artists. Abstract Expressionism had a long way to go before it  began to enjoy the reputation that it does today. William was working at the Robert Simpson family department store and in 1953 they allowed him to exhibit the work of eleven artists, himself included, in the major display windows in downtown Toronto, currently known as The Bay. In one fell swoop Painters eleven was formed with Alexandra Luke, Hortense Gordon, William Yarwood, Harold Town, Ray Mead, William Hodgsons, Oscar Cahen, Jack Bush, Kazuo Nakamura, J.W.G. MacDonald, and of course William Ronald. 

William Ronald was creative in the manner by which he presented abstract expressionism to Torontonians. He was fortunate that Simpson's, a family owned department store, subscribed to his vision which brings me to today! Kingsmill's department store in downtown London was established in 1865. For five generations they have through a commitment to excellence and superior customer service provided London and its environs a destination store that is now a London landmark.

When I was presented with the opportunity to have an exhibition showcasing William Ronald and Walter Dexter I wanted to honour Ronald's memory by hosting a show as iconic as his 1953 exhibition. The title "Abstracts at Home II" was the obvious choice and I needed was a business to collaborate with. Kingsmill's was the obvious choice. It was more obvious than I thought as when I was being interviewed by Bill Paul for 'Straight Talk' and started telling him about my idea for the exhibition he immediately said "I would imagine that this event will include Kingsmill's" as if to say 'Who else would fill the bill?'. Both of us then continued to talk about the Kingsmill's brand and how iconic it was and how it was the natural choice. This was all well and good except that at the time of the interview I hadn't even had a chance to ask Tim Kingsmill what he thought of the idea. I needn't have worried. He and his wife Laurie were all for it. 

"Abstracts at Home II" was a go! Kingsmill's has graciously agreed to provide a selection of furniture so that the exhibition room in my gallery can showcase the work of William Ronald and Walter Dexter with contemporary furniture showing how well today's furniture works with Abstract art. 

That's not all! It gets better! They have also provided the use of their landmark island window on Dundas Street to provide a showcase for the latest abstract art of London artist Jamie Jardine. Jamie Jardine has been exhibiting with me since 2000. Actually we both pretty well began our careers in contemporary art together. He is creator and me as connector. There will be an exhibition in the gallery following "Abstracts at Home II" of Jamie's paintings but in keeping with the original intent of Ronald's exhibition in 1953 the abstract expressionist work of a  London artist will be introduced to Londoners at Kingsmill's. 

This additional fillip of introducing Jamie Jardine's abstracts at Kingsmill's has been added at the request of the Kingsmill's. Sixty years ago it was Simpson's. Today it is Kingsmills. In both situations it is Canadians promoting Canadian. You will have a chance to see Jamie's paintings starting Wednesday November 7th at Kingsmill's department store at 130 Dundas Street in downtown London. Actually you may well want to visit Kingsmill's on Wednesday November 7th for their annual Xmas shopping event. You should check out their site www.kingsmills.com . In my gallery at 258 Dundas Street you will be able to see Kingsmill's quality furniture providing the perfect setting for the extraordinary paintings of William Ronald and the wonderful ceramic art of Walter Dexter.

YESTERDAY & TODAY opens to public AUG 10

Finally it is happening, this years August exhibition opens next week. The theme for this year's exhibition is Yesterday and Today. with participating artists having sent an early piece and a contemporary piece. It is shaping up to be an exciting exhibition and as usual the excitement starts for us as the work arrives in the gallery. We are introducing three new artists to the gallery. Bruce Taylor (Ontario), Samantha Dickie (British Columbia) and Kirsten Abrahamson (Ontario). They are three exceptional artists each presenting a totally different aesthetic.

Bruce Taylor work for Yesterday & Today
Clorox bottle is 38" tall

I have admired Bruce Taylor's work for years and it is wonderful to finally have his work in the gallery. We did have one of his monumental sculptural works arrive a couple of months ago and for the exhibition he has sent three incredible works that I just love ranging from the 38" Clorox bottle to the relatively diminutive yogurt container (not pictured) at 17" high. They just blow me away. As you can see from the bottle on the right there are figures all around the bottle. The bottle on the right is also decorated but the images are more difficult to see in this photo.

Kirsten Abrahamson historical work
for Yesterday & Today

The picture above depicts Kirsten Abrahamson's graduating piece from the Alberta College of Art. Apparently it made quite a stir at the year end show a few decades ago. Kirsten say that there was a line-up of professors ogling it at the opening. I had an artist in yesterday from BC and he named all six of the professors about to be devoured in this art student take on Goya. It is really quite wonderful. Similarly is 'Gloria' the Abrahamson update done specifically for this exhibition.

"Gloria" the 21st century update on the Goyaesque
sculpture done by Kirsten for her graduating show.

Don't you just love "Gloria"? She is the updated version of the graduation piece. Note the six skulls in the right hand. This work is fabulous. I think Kirsten was way ahead of her time when she started doing her 'bots' (ceramic robot figures). We received five in December and they sold in a couple of hours. i think Gloria will find a good home on opening night!

Pieced Together Man #5

I really have to tell you about Sally Michener's Pieced Together Men of which this is #5. Pieced together man #1 was in last year's Matter of Clay III exhibition. It was snapped up very quickly by two very astute London collectors. While lolling about with a red dot it was seen by another London collector on his first visit to the gallery. He enquired about the price and said he would like to know when the next piece came in. I knew there were two more so I called Sally and she agreed to send another.

Pieced Together Man #2

Enter Pieced Together Man #2. 

So Sally agrees to send on #2. I give the interested collector a call to tell him it is in transit and if he comes in on the Friday he will be probably the first to see it. This was on a Tuesday. On Wednesday I was talking with a client in Vancouver who asked me if anything exciting was coming in. I tell him about #2 and he asks for an image. So given the Internet age I send it off to him and he gets to see it while we are talking. "Nice" says he. "Is it sold?" "Not yet but there is a chap interested." "I'll take it!" says he and so when it arrives we don't even open the crate and it is air shipped BACK to Vancouver. So he missed out again. No problem as Pieced Together Woman was on her way. It arrived a couple of weeks later on a Friday and Brian unpacked it. It was equally spectacular. This time a new collector happened to see it. He had earlier bemoaned the  fact that being a late baby boomer he had missed out on The Group of Seven, Painters Eleven and waterfront property. I told him to pay attention to art level ceramics. He saw the head and loved it. He and his wife had just bought a Walter Dexter vase. He was sitting debating about getting the head. "Jonathon, I feel under the gun to make a decision." "Don't worry about it. Come back next week and if it is here it is meant to be." "it won't be here next week. I'll take it!"

Pieced Together Man #3

Well yet again the original collector missed out. When he next came in i was a bit embarrassed. "Listen, next time I won't even show anyone else." "Not to worry - Next one to come in - I'll take it!" and he did! 

Pieced Together Man #4

To say that Sally's work has been popular would be an understatement. The truth of the matter is I honestly believe clay is about to get its place in the sun. The number of new collectors getting interested in collecting is growing steadily and they are willing to step out of the traditional collecting mode and are embracing the edgy. It is an exciting time to be selling ceramics and an exciting time to be collecting.

Okay folks that is enough for now. More on Yesterday and Today tomorrow!

Jonathon

Marianne Fisher, Nancy Latchford & Connie Jefferess

Opening Thursday July 19th at 7PM

Beal Secondary School's Art program is celebrating 100 Years in 2012. In celebration of this even t there are events taking place throughout the year all over London. The events celebrate Beal's place as one of the premier secondary school art programs in Canada. The list of distinguished artists that have been part of Beal is a Who's Who of the London scene and includes many highly respected artists who have made a name for themselves nationally and internationally. People like Patterson Ewen (1925-2002), Greg Curnoe (1936-1932), Herb Arris (1923-2009), Mackie Cryderman (1896?-1969), the list is endless. 

~

When sculptor Ron Milton approached me in 2011 to ask if I would consider participating in th e2012 year lon celebration of 100 Years of Beal my answer was a resounding yes. Though not a Beal alumna I have been deeply affected through my contact with Beal. When the old Beal Art on Maitland was torn down I rescued , on a quiet Summer Sunday, the BEALART sign currently hanging in the west stairwell of the new Beal annex. It was a secret rescue and the sign was ceremoniously and fittingly restored to Beal during a Beal Year End Art Shoe at the then London Galleria currently known as Citi Plaza. My gallery next door to the exhibition hosted Return To Sender a Beal alumni show. Bevan Ling was retiring that year and he graciously accepted th emosaic sign thought lost by the faculty. It was at a Beal show that I met Byron Hodgins who was to be the feature artist of my first gallery show in April of 2000. Joseph Cernius, Trevor Kyle Carter, James McCreery, Gab Kokas, are a few of the young artists I met there. I am still in contact with all of them and cherish the early examples of their work dating from their time at Beal. They are part of the new generation of Canadian artists with a strong Beal connection. Recently reading Nancy Poole's informative Art of London I was reminded yet again of the importance of Beal to the arts in London.

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 The Beal Art Program is important. It provides an extraordinary service to London keeping us supplied with aspiring artists some of whom will become great Canadian icons. Beal graduates are often given preferred status at art schools all over Canada. Beal enhances the reputation of London as an arts Mecca.

~

All that being said I had to decide on a focus. Fortuitously Marianne Fisher, herself a Beal graduate, approached me about the possibility of having a retrospective. Marianne's career in clay began at Beal with Herb Arris the head of the art department introduced her to the medium. She has never looked back. Marianne has had a successful career as a ceramic artist and now we have the opportunity to look back over her career through an exhibition of works she has held on to dating back to the beginning of her lover affair with clay.

~

I am also pleased to include work by Nancy Latchford, also a graduate of Beal. Nancy has created two new works that we are pleased to be exhibiting. As if that isn't enough we are thrilled to have a hanging by Connie Jefferess who taught at Beal and was also Nancy's mentor. Connie, now retired and in her eighties, was yet another artist touched by the inimitable Herb Arris. I almost feel like I should be calling this exhibition Herb's Choice as each of these artists was directly impacted by the energy and love of art that Herb exhibited through his dedication to maintaining a vibrant and exciting art program at Beal.

~

I hope you will take the opportunity to visit the gallery and see the work of:

~ Marianne Fisher ~ ceramic artist ~

~ Nancy Latchford ~ fibre artist ~

~ Connie Jefferess ~ fibre artist ~

FUSION

Well here it is May and the first event of the year is rapidly approaching. This will be an interesting show. Fusion - The association of glass and clay artists is having their annual exhibition in London at the end of May. We show a number of the artists who belong and in appreciation and in recognition of these artists we are hosting an exhibition featuring the Fusion members past and present that we currently show.

In addition to the exhibition of their work we will also have an exhibition of the people we show who have given workshops to Fusion over the past many years.If you are reading this and are either a Fusion member or have been a Fusion presenter please get in touch with us so that you are not forgotten.

Today is rapidly disappearing and considering that I still have other fish to fry or mugs to throw or kilns to stoke and I think I better get moving! Have a great day!

The Fusion conference is in London Ontario this year and in appreciation of the many Fusion members that we represent we are having a special exhibition dedicated to Fusion members. It opens Thursday, May 24th. We have been busily assembling the work for what is shaping up to be an excellent exhibition. This will also be the first time in the history of the gallery that I will not be here for the opening! I will be in Victoria. To be honest it is a bit strange to think that I will not be present but I am very fortunate to have an excellent gallery manager. Brian Cooke will be hosting the opening. Brian has been with the gallery now for almost eight years so I know everything will be great.

We are also happy to announce that Bruce Taylor will be showing with us. The upcoming exhibition is the first time he has exhibited with us. I am also thrilled to say that Kirsten Abrahamson will also have a piece in the show. Kirsten has only recently joined the gallery and her first pieces sold out in a day so we are looking forward to seeing some more work from her. For those of you unfamiliar with her work: you are in for a treat!

Also stay tuned to this page for information on our annual August exhibition "Yesterday and Today". It will feature the work of 25 of Canada's top ceramic artists. They will be showcasing one historical piece and one contemporary piece. This will be an excellent opportunity for collectors to acquire some truly innovative work!

Signing off for now!

Matter of Clay III - 3 more sleeps!

Okay folks - here's the scoop! We are just three days away from the opening and, to be honest, I am a wee bit tired. The work continues to arrive and never ceases to amaze. This afternoon the installation arrived by Zsuzsa Monostory of Toronto. It is extraordinary! The theme is that of Punchinello commedia dell'arte. Actually I first met Zsuzsa at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto in 2001 and fell in love with her figures (someone else did too as one was actually stolen the night of the opening from the display!) and three years ago we discussed the possibility of doing a set of figures based on the 18th century concept of the garniture. And here we are three years later and it is a fait accompli and a true tour de force. It is awesome and will no doubt find a suitable home.

Artists are texting, calling and emailing their arrival times. They are coming by plane, train and automobile! There will be more nationally renowned Canadian artists in one place at one time than have been in a long time! A young artist, named Luke, swung by the gallery today visiting from Vancouver. He has just graduated from Emily Carr and is very excited about attending all the events but his comment that most resonated with e was "You have no idea what a thrill it is to be in a room filled with the work of artists that you have admired but only seen in slides. It is incredible to see everything 3D".

Let's not forget the catalogue! Sebastian Frye has designed an amazing work. I said to him a couple of weeks ago that when he looked at it and was proud to call it a creation of his then I would be pleased. It is fantastic. If you are thinking of getting one - don't hesitate. There are only five hundred copies and we have already sold over 20% and it hasn't even been printed yet! Actually as I type (or hunt and peck) the first part is being printed by the Ronald Frye Publishing House in Toronto. I am really pleased that an exhibition featuring Canadian talent has been designed and printed by a Canadian company. Margaret Atwood would be proud.

Judy and Rick Blake have just arrived in Dundas Ontario on their way to London. They will be staying at the home of Carol and Richard Rossman tonight, sharing potter hospitality. No doubt Rick and Richard will be commiserating with one another. Where David Hayashida is at the moment I don't know but I would imagine that he is off the island and Newfoundland is a far bit away. Well folks I am off to the pub to meet Stephen who has just arrived from Florida fresh from his respite before the serious entertaining begins!

MATTER of CLAY III hits CBC Newfoundland

It is Sunday afternoon and the living is easy except for those of us in the headlong mad dash to finish up details for the upcoming Matter of Clay III exhibition opening in a few more sleeps. The adrenalin got a bit of a push this morning listing to Mack Furlong on CBC Newfoundland in his interview with David Hayashida, partner with Linda Yates in King's Point Pottery. You can hear the interview at http://www.cbc.ca/wam/

There are Matter of Clay III Preparations taking place all over Canada today. In Toronto Sebastian Frye, graphic designer to Matter of Clay III, is busily working on a catalogue that is a complete visual treat. Already over 100 catalogues have been pre-ordered from all over the country with orders arriving daily. The cost of the 200+ page full colour catalogue is $50 plus s/h with a special $37.50 plus s/h until September 2. The catalogue, in a limited edition run of 500, is destined to be a real collector's delight as it includes the maker's mark, an element that truly enhances the catalogues for serious collectors and novices alike.

Brian is busily occupied at the moment measuring the myriad of offerings that have been flooding into the gallery for weeks. In Chatham our web specialist from Spur of the Moment Media is ensuring that the allure of Matter of Clay III continues with regular updates to the specially dedicated Matter of Clay events page. Judy Blake emailed this morning and she and husband Rick are on the road again headed to London Ontario from Lincoln New Brunswick. Peter Thomas of New Brunswick isn't able to attend but he has taken advantage of any remaining space in their car to send additional work.

Alain Bonneau of Carignan Quebec called this morning to say that the car is packed and ready to go. The limited edition tureen 'Pea Soup' originally designed in 1979 and reintroduced after much pleading on our part in a special limited edition of 40 is all made and ready to go. 31 have been pre-sold and there are only four black left at $2,000 each and the very limited edition green at a premium price of $2.500 with #40 selling for $3,000. This is a true Canadian classic.

Pat Webber of Salt Spring Island has already left the island and is currently in Montreal before she too heads off to London. Meira Mathison and husband Logan, who btw celebrate their wedding anniversary tomorrow, are currently enroute to Victoria to pack for their departure Tuesday where a suite awaits them at the London Delta Armouries. Louise Card and Craig Rogers of the Nanaimo are also currently in Ontario and will be heading off to London Tuesday.

Miss Conception, Drag Queen Extraordinaire, having just finished the Toronto to Montreal Aids Ride for Life is probably resting up before wowing the SRO reception at Scot's Corner. Scot's is our sponsor pub and will be the place to see Canada's top ceramic artists as they party hearty during the opening week festivities of Matter of Clay III. Over half of the 102 participating artists are attending the grand by invitation reception at the gallery on Thursday August 4. Already there are confirmations coming in from all over the country.

The excitement is not only at the Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery as just a hop, skip and a jump away from the gallery is theLondon Potters' Guild where preparations are going strong for the workshops series with artists Gordon Hutchens BC, John Chalke Ab and Valerie Metcalfe MB. The series is a almost sold out .

Stephen, my better half, in a wise move to retain his sanity has headed off to Florida for the weekend to rest up before getting himself immersed in helping organise the biggest ceramic arts party in Canada. He has taken a week off work to assist in airport pick ups, train arrivals and essentially all the things that need to be done to ensure a good time is head by all.

Attic Books has put up a wonderful display of Newfoundland artist Reed Weir. Sculptures from the critically acclaimed exhibition Flood at Furnace Cove are currently on display, where else but in the west window along with a selection of works by noted Newfoundland writers. The east window, appropriately enough, is home to a selection of ceramic works by British Columbia artist Laurie Rolland. Laurie's incredible ceramic boats are beautifully displayed among books pertaining to boat building and British Columbia. The display nicely encapsulate the coast to coast aspect of Matter of Clay III.

Anyway I have to get back to work or the catalogue will never  be ready for printing tomorrow morning. No rest today!

Matter of Clay III Update - June 25

Okay we are heading into the home stretch leading up to the opening of 2011's Matter of Clay III August 4. It would be understating it to say that we are merely excited. It goes beyond that as this will not only be the third Matter of Clay exhibition it will also officially mark ten years of concerted effort of getting the word out that there is an exciting viable clay art scene in Canada. It is an art scene that embraces all of Canada from Reed Weir's perch on an outcropping of the Newfoundland coast called Robinson's to Mary Fox in Ladysmith British Columbia where she is  now ensconced in her newly designed home and studio. It is a scene that includes Astrid Kruse in the Northwest Territories and our southernmost artist Bernadette Pratt in our own London, Ontario.

The ceramic mosaic that is Matter of Clay III includes artists that have immigrated to Canada from all parts of the world as well as First Nations. They are united in a quest for excellence and their output ranges from the the functional to the wildly abstracted. They are all ages. The eldest is Dean Mullavey from North Hatley, Quebec whose professional career has had him kiln hopping in some of the most famous kilns in North America: Gaetan Beaudin's, Otto & Vivika Heino's to say nothing of an anecdotal moment with the iconic Beatrice woods in her studio when she was 100. Beatrice, who died at 104, was often asked the key to her longevity. Her oft-repeated reply was 'I owe it all to chocolate and young men, not necessarily in that order" Dean was the first person I have met who had heard the phrase straight from her lips.

There are currently over 100 artists participating and it was a thrill to finally be able to persuade Ron Roy to participate. Ron is a noted glaze specialist and prying some work out of him for the Matter of Clay exhibition took some doing. Fortunately I was aided and abetted by Liz Willoughby, another artist participating in the exhibition. They are delivering the work to the gallery on Monday. That'll be a good reason to open a bottle of wine.

Diane Brouilette has just connected to let us know that her pieces are on the way. I am hoping there will be one of her exquisite little teapots. I was too slow off the mark at a past exhibition and missed out on acquiring a sweet little purple teapot that I can still see just out of my grasp.

Puffins are making a huge hit in London. Reed Weir of Newfoundland made 100 of the little guys and they are a flock that is rapidly diminishing. it would appear that Londoners are puffin mad and we are selling them by the colony! They are cute and totally irresistible  and, like potato chips, you can't stop at just one!

It is a wee bit busy so I am going to sign off for now and will get back to you on Monday!

Back from Victoria & Fired-Up! annual exhibition

Brian and I arrived back Tuesday May 31st on the WestJet red-eye from Victoria where we had been since Wednesday May 25th attending and participating in the 27th annual Fired-Up exhibition at the Metchoisin hall. It was an extraordinary time. This year's exhibition was titled "Axis of Art", a phase I coined  to describe the relationship between Creator-Connector-Collector.

It was the first time the gallery has traveled out of London to exhibit and it was the first time that Fired-Up had invited a gallery to participate in their annual exhibition. It was also the first time that Fired-Up had allowed work by artists from outside of BC to participate. Brian and I brought a selection of work from across Canada. We would have loved to have brought examples from all the artists we represent but it wouldn't have been practical. Our goal was to provide a taste of what is available in London, Ontario and to promote our upcoming event "Matter of Clay III" August 4- Sept 2. Matter of Clay is held every five years and this year the number of artists participating is over 100. More about that later as I really want to let you know about our BC Fired-Up! experience. In short: It was amazing!!!

If you don't know who the Fired-Up! members are then check out their website www.firedup.ca There are eleven core members: Marlene Bowman, Pat Webber, Alan Burgess, Glenys Marshall-Inman Gordon Hutchens, Meg Burgess, Cathi Jefferson, Susan Delatour Lepoidevin, Gary Merkel, Meira Mathison, and Kinichi Shigeno. They are awesome! They are a group bound by quality and a desire to educate. Their work runs the gamut from functional to wildly abstracted. I believe that as a group they may be unique in Canada. Certainly it is the only group that i represent in its' entirety.

As a departure from their normal event schedule the exhibition opened on Thursday evening and attendance was strong right up to the exhibition closing on Sunday at 4 PM. A wonderful article by Times Colonist art critic Robert Amos certainly was a factor in drawing in the crowds. you can read his article at http://www.timescolonist.com/travel/fired+over+rock+stars+pottery/4842480/story.html .

I also had the pleasure of meeting Robert Amos. He is an artist in his own right who has been creating a visual record  of Victoria over the years. Robert has also published a book featuring artists' studios and though Walter Dexter RCA was not an artist featured in his book "Artists in Their Studios" he did photograph Walter's studios both in Metchoisin and in Victoria. You should check it out at http://www.robertamos.com/Robert_2011/Books.html. I am looking forward to getting to know Robert better as it is always a pleasure to meet some one with a passion and Robert certainly has a passion for Victoria and the art of Vancouver Island. Speaking of people and passion I also got to meet Diane Carr. Diane ran a gallery in Victoria in the seventies.called The Potter's Wheel. It was fascinating hearing from her stories about the fine craft scene in Victoria as it is always fascinating to hear from people who harbour a passion.

Brian Cooke, the gallery curator, manager and without whom I would be lost, arranged a selection of work from across Canada. It was not as extensive as we would have liked but time and space create limits within which we had to work. Brian's passion for the work of Goyer-Bonneau of Quebec was full exposed by the enthusiasm he showed describing and selling the re-issue of 'Pea-Soup' a tureen first designed in 1979 and reissued this year in a limited edition of 40. Brian sold six in Victoria bringing to 31 the number currently spoken for. There are 4 left at $2,000 before they jump to $2,500. It is truly a Canadian Classic and if you are interested in getting one please act soon! It took us eight years to get Alain and Denise to agree to reissue it and we have sold 31 since May 2!

A trip to Victoria without seeing Walter Dexter would be incomplete. It was wonderful seeing Walter and of course now that I am writing a book on Walter it was particularly important that we connect. I came a way with some wonderful ephemera that will help in finishing off the book. the soft launch of  "DEXTER - studio artist" is slated to coincide with the opening of "Matter of Clay III" August 4th. The Ronald Frye publishing house in Toronto will be handling the publication and the passion of Sebastian Frye will ensure a quality book

As I said "Fired-Up!'s 27th annual exhibition was amazing. My theory 'Axis of Art' certainly had a baptism by fire and came through stronger than ever. The truth of the matter is we got to put to test the concept in ways that I had not imagined possible. The nuances of the Axis of Art definitely deserve a good bottle of wine to enhance the experience.

Here it is Saturday afternoon and Susan MacAlpine-Foshay is probably just getting ready to land in Halifax. Susan, former director of the Mary E Black gallery in Halifax and former gallery owner, graciously gave up two weeks of her time to come to London and run the gallery while Brian and I were away. It was very reassuring being away knowing that the gallery was in her capable hands.

While in Victoria we also got to see Mary Fox from Ladysmith. Mary is a wonderful artist and sculptor and she will be flying out to attend the opening of  "Matter of Clay III" in August. Actually we also bumped into Louise Card and her husband Craig Rogers both are planning to attend and both will be represented in the exhibition.

I probably have a lot more to say but think I had better close off but not before commenting on the wonderful people of the island who attended the exhibition and regaled us with stories of their connections to Fired-Up!, the artists and their work. Remembering that relationships are what make a successful "Axis of Art" it is important to acknowledge all those that came to view and support this year's 27th annual exhibition. Thank you one and all and to all a good day!

Jonathon

Victoria and Fired-Up! Axis of Art

Time is starting to accelerate. Only a few more days before Brian and I head off to Victoria for the opening of the Fired-Up! 27th anniversary exhibition at the Metchoisin Community Centre at 4401 William Head Road. I am really looking forward to this event. It has been in the works for a year now and all the hard work of the Fired-Up! members is about to bear fruit. This is a first as not only will there be incredible work by the eleven core members but for the first time there will be work by other leading ceramic artists. Brian and I have sent work by Reed Weir (NL), Judy Blake (NB), Goyer-Bonneau RCA (PQ), Zsuzsa Monostory (ON), as well as a number of other artists.

Another reason for excitement is the soft launch of "Walter Dexter - Studio Artist" the first in a series of books on Canadian ceramic artists authored by myself. Using Walter's incredible torso vases as a catalyst for the story the book will trace his career from its beginnings in Alberta up to now. A remarkable artist this lavishly illustrated book is a must-have for anyone interested in the rich history of ceramic art in Canada.

Join us opening night, Thursday May 26th,  starting at 6PM>

Goyer Bonneau Tureen - A Canadian Classic

Goyer Bonneau designed, in 1979, a tureen titled "French Pea Soup". It is an incredible design and was juried into a travelling exhibition hosted by Campbell Soup titled "Soup, Soup, Beautiful Soup!" that toured for two years in the early eighties. Brian and I have been bugging them for almost ten years to reintroduce the tureen as we both love the design. Finally May 2nd, 2011 we received an email and a photo telling us that the first tureen was ready. Alain and Denise decided that the edition would be limited to 40, the number of  unused handles left from 1979. The price? #'s 1 to 10 $450 (sold out in hours) #'s 11 to 20 $550 (sold out by May 14th) #'s 21 to 30 $650 (only seven left at this price). The final ten will be $2,000 each. This is truly a Canadian Classic created with cultural content as many of their designs are. The name referenced the slang term used to describe Frenchmen.

It is with great pleasure that we present the reintroduction of "French Pea Soup" in black porcelain.

Fired Up Exhibition Opens May 26th

We are now ten days away from opening night of Fired-Up! Axis of Art in Victoria BC. Brian and I are excited to be the first ceramic art gallery asked to participating their annual exhibition now in its 27th year! Not only is this an opportunity to see the latest work from the core members of Fired Up it will also be an opportunity for people to see work by artists from other provinces. We have shipped out work from:

Bruce Cochrane RCA Ontario, Astrid Kruse NWT. Reed Weir NL, Ann Mortimer RCA Ontario, Jane Wilson Ontario, Zsuzsa Monostory Ontario, Judy Blake New Brunswick, Goyer Bonneau  RCA Quebec, Ann Beam Ontario, Renee Gagnon Quebec, Mimi Cabri  RCA Ontario, Sarah Link RCA Ontario, Judy Donaldson Ontario, Audrey Killoran Quebec, Roger Kerslake Ontario, Harlan House RCA Ontario, Liz Willoughby Ontario, Sean Kuntz Alberta

This will provide an incredible opportunity for the public to see not only ceramics created by the talented Fired Up! Members but also by other leading ceramic artists from across the country.

Opening night this year is on Thursday night and many of our clients and friends from Ontario and Michigan are flying out to attend. 

The theme this year is the "Axis of Art", the relationship between Creator-Connector-Collector. Take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to meet the creators, get involved with the connector and meet other collectors. Opportunities like this are few and far between so take advantage and go!

"Still On Track"

James Kirkpatrick has established himself as one of Canada’s leading outer-edge artists with a recognizable style that has earned him a devoted following across North America, in Japan and in Europe. He has participated in numerous groups shows including the critically acclaimed ‘Pulp Fiction” that toured eastern Canada from our own Museum London to Toronto’s MOCCA closing at St Mary’s Gallery in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“STILL ON TRACK” features new work by James as well as introducing James’ sound sculptures based on his most recent paintings. Included in the exhibition is the largest of the sound sculptures recently featured during the LOLA festival where it was displayed in Victoria Park.

Guest artist Jamie Q will present examples of her most recent work and additional works created in collaboration with feature artist James Kirkpatrick.

For additional information: 519-434-5443 or brian@jonathons.ca

UPSTARTS

Exhibition: “Upstarts” August 6, 2010 – September 3, 2010
An Exhibition of Canada’s Finest Living Ceramic Artists born pre-1940

Venue: Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery

258 Dundas Street, London, Ontario

Contact person: Jonathon jonathon@jonathons.ca

519-434-5443 or toll-free 1-866-229-5244

The Group of Seven artists and Les Automatistes are the painters who changed how Canadians and the world looked at painting in Canada. Similarly a group of ceramic artists changed how we look at clay in Canada. The exhibition “Upstarts” at Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery, London, Ontario (http://www.jonathons.ca/) is a tribute to these artists, their creativity and their tenacity in changing how we look at ceramic art.

Born prior to 1940 the participating artists are witnesses to an extraordinary period of huge social change. Their lives have been influenced and affected by a world depression, a world war, and the dramatic rise of the middle class. The traditional iconic role of clay as a medium for function was first acknowledged and then often ignored by many of the exhibiting artists. They chose instead, as did the artists in other mediums, to test and challenge both the material and the public’s perception of what constitutes ceramic art. They are the “Upstarts”. They are the artists who have worked in relative obscurity when compared to painters, often ignored by the arts elite. It is time to recognize their contribution to Canada’s art mosaic.

The evolution from functional wares to the avant-garde began primarily in the sixties and seventies, a time of enormous social and political change. Some of the pioneers, Ruth Gowdy-McKinley RCA (d.1981), Luke Lindoe RCA (d.2001), Walter Drohan (d.2007), Marilyn Levine (d.2005) are no longer with us. However many of these great Canadian artists, who participated in this new approach to ceramic art, are still alive.  The exhibition “Upstarts” is to honour and recognize these artists.  

The exhibition “Upstarts”, August 5 -September 2^, is a tribute to those artists who are still creating and enriching our lives through their art. Each of the participating artists is over seventy; some are in their eighties. They come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and from all over Canada. Their ranks include Saidye Bronfman Award winners, Royal Canadian Academy (RCA) members and Order of Canada recipients. They have exhibited and are represented in every museum in the world that houses contemporary Canadian ceramic art.  “Upstarts” is an exhibition showcasing Canada’s great artists who, working in clay, have forever changed the way we look at ceramics. These are the artists who have provided inspiration to generations of ceramic artists nationally and internationally. They have headed the ceramic departments of Canada’s leading art schools and universities. This exhibition is a tribute to them and an opportunity for novices and collectors alike to connect with the best in Canada, living national treasures who are the “Upstarts”. 

Lois Etherington-Betteridge, metal artist, is included in this exhibition of her peers in recognition of her contribution, in a like manner, to the art of metalsmithing.  

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information.

Regards,

Jonathon Bancroft-Snell

Pretty in Pink

Sunday May 9, 2010
12pm - 4pm

Click Here to view images from the event


The event featured fifty Barbie dolls dressed in pink, and sold on mothers day for the purposes of supporting Wellspring.

Wellspring is a network of cancer support centres providing programs, educational resources and training for cancer patients and their families.


“Pretty in Pink” Participants

1 Shaaron Neuman
2 Marnie McGarry
3 Team Trucks Canada
4 Attic Books
5 Investing in Children (Anita Gilvesy)
6 Good Life Fitness (Megan)
7 Fisher & Company (Lisa)
8 Lisa (Downtown London)
9 Downtown London (Jeanette)
10 Anne Flood –
11 Annette Heitzner
12 Drewlo Holdings
13 Jill’s Table
14 Roman’s Leather
15 Innuit Gallery
16 Coffee Culture Dundas
17 The Scot’s Corner
18 London Delta Armouries
19 Meyer’s Furrier
20 Jonathon Bancroft-Snell
21 Culture Salon and Spa
22 London Garden Club
23 Nancy Latchford
24 Cakewalkers
25 Kwik Kopy
26 Nicholas & Elizabeth Bridal
27 Station Park Hotel and Suites
28 College Boreal
29 Century 21 / Mark Mohan
30 Fortune Minerals
31 Allied Construction
32 Brian Cooke
33 Zena’s Bridal and Fashion
34 Novack’s
35 Junior Achievement
36 London Arts Council
37 The London Press / Paul Berton
38 Ed Holder
39 Art Fusion
40 Palace Theatre LCP
41 Frilly Lizard
42 Wellspring
43 Jacqueline Venus

10 Year Anniversary!!

The Gallery is turning 10 on April 8th, 2010.
We'd love to hear your comments, stories, and thoughts about the last 10 years,