Ellen Statz
Ellen was born and raised in the small coastal community of Campbell River BC, on Vancouver Island. She is the daughter of a commercial fisherman and has a long and direct connection with the sea and with nature which inspires her whimsical forms and designs.
Leaf Vase
Wild Elderberry Plate
Ellen discovered clay in 1984 while enrolled in the Fine Arts Diploma Program at Malapsina College in Nanaimo, BC. She continued here art education and work in Raku at North island College.
“My greatest pleasures come from allowing the clay to take me places I would not venture into on my own. The unpredictable and spontaneous nature of Raku produces positive feedback which shows no sign of abating”. Ellen’s work has moved through a number of themes ranging from a fixation with alligators to her current interest in botanical textures and impressions.
She currently lives and works in Campbell River where she makes Raku pottery and teaches classes in her home studio. Ellen’s work is held in collections throughout the world and she enjoys an enthusiastic local following.
The Raku Process….
After a rapid firing of about 30 minutes glowing hot pots are quickly removed from the kiln and placed into metal containers lined with combustible materials (like shredded paper) . A lid cuts off the oxygen creating a “reducing” atmosphere. In this reducing atmosphere, smoke and fire work their magic, making each piece “one of a kind”
Handle your Raku with care—after all, it has had a difficult birth!
Raku is not watertight or food safe. Over time, direct sunlight may affect colours. Clean with a soft cloth.
Ceramic Chiton
Jacinda Hames
Artist Statement
Over 71% of this earth’s living space is ocean, which is inhabited by plants and animals. Even more importantly, over half of the world’s population lives within 60 miles of a coastline. These largely populated areas have threatened our local ecosystems, causing an increase in marine pollution, habitat destruction and in turn global warming; in particular Canada’s marine habitat and its ability to sustain itself.
Porcelaine Sea Spine $5,900.00 CAD
This body of work is based on a series of photographs that I took while diving and going for walks along the beach of both the East and West Coast of Canada. Along these journeys various local materials such as; sand, rocks and shells were collected. It is these local materials that I use in my artwork. I break down found organic materials and incorporate them into my ceramics. It is also the color, pattern and texture of the Coastline’s of Canada that I portray in these works.
During my education at NSCAD University these experiences were explored and then stylized in many different types of media. But, in the end I have found that clay is the best vehicle for me to express my ideas.
Click here to visit Jacinda’s website.
