Exhibition at Beaverlodge Art and Culture Center showcasing local master of Japanese pottery - Fort McMurray Today | Canada News Media
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Exhibition at Beaverlodge Art and Culture Center showcasing local master of Japanese pottery – Fort McMurray Today

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Peace Country residents will have the opportunity to view pottery created by a local artist schooled in the art of Japanese pottery at a new art exhibition opening this month in Beaverlodge.

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The exhibit, called “High Fire,” can be viewed at the Beaverlodge Art and Culture Centre, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 25, and is mainly an exhibition of pottery created by artist Bibi Clement using a traditional Japanese Anagama kiln.

he exhibition will also feature pieces from Lane Borstad, retired GPRC art history teacher and friend of Clement.

“Bibi has been doing this for a lot of years and she really is a master craftsman, she’s quite revered in larger communities,” said Borstad.

Clement has lived in the Peace Region since 1993, and previously, she’s been a fashion designer, a filmmaker and clay artist in cities like Algiers, Paris and Vancouver.

Clement has been studying with Japanese pottery masters since 1997 and has built a following in Canada and Japan.

“She studied in Japan, she’s exhibited in Japan, she’s taught in Japan, and she’s had Japanese master potters come over to do workshops here in Hythe a few times,” said Borstad.

For decades Bibi’s hands have been creating fine high-fired ash-glazed and Raku pottery. Her collection will be exhibited in BACS’ Main Gallery October 31 until November 25. Photo by David McGregor

According to Borstad, this style of pottery originated in Korea and Japan and goes back hundreds of years. The pottery is built around the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi which celebrates the idea of impermanence.

“The idea that change is the constant, and the beauty of things lies in imperfection and incompleteness, it’s kind of a humble, modest thing,” said Borstad.

According to Borstad, Clement was one of the first people in Western Canada to have a full-scale Anagama kiln, and her work is in collections all over Western Canada.

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“Bibi’s aesthetic is about the artist producing a one of a kind of object and every one in her process is different,” said Borstad “Even when you have a set of dinnerware from her, every plate, every cup and every item in that [set] has a uniqueness to it.”

The process is created by adding wood to the kiln’s fire every 20-30 seconds, 24 hours a day, over three to five days.

The heat inside the kiln gets so intense the ash inside turns to glass which dribbles all over the pottery.

“It’s not something you can have absolute control over,” said Borstad, adding “that’s part of the Japanese aesthetic about nature, change and impermanence.”

Clement also injects salt into the kiln which creates an added texture to the pottery, and according to Borstad, he’s not aware of another potter in the north using this process.

“It creates this very special kind of beauty that you can’t get in a mechanical kiln,” said Borstad.

The colossal hand-built Anagama kiln sits on Bibi Clement’s rural property and is responsible for the naturally glazed, high-fired ceramics for which Clement is esteemed. Photo by David McGregor

Borstad met Clement 25 years ago when she was teaching student workshops at GPRC, but it was in retirement when Borstad cultivated a friendship with Clement and decided to pursue pottery further.

“I fell totally in love with her process of Anagama,” said Borstad.

Borstad will also be selling a special line of soup bowls he created with all proceeds going to the Beaverlodge Food Bank.

Entrance to the exhibit is free and the Beaverlodge Art and Culture Centre is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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