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.

 Desiree was born in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and has called various places home, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and finally Victoria.

 In 1989, she became an active member of the Calgary chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists.  Desiree enrolled in the Alberta College of Art in 1992, where she studied until getting married and starting a family.  Now that her children are more independent, she is able to paint full time.

 Desiree’s focus is to achieve a fresh and effortless feel to her paintings.  Confident brush strokes and strong colors characterize her work.  Desiree paints predominantly in liquid acrylics and enjoys working on both large and small canvases.  The west coast of Vancouver Island provides endless inspiration for her landscapes and floral.

 Desiree has participated in many Federation art shows in Calgary, Victoria, and Vancouver.  Other juried shows include the Summer Exhibition and Winter Small Works Shows at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the Sooke Fine Art Show and the Sidney Fine Art Show. Desiree has also participated in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s annual Moss Street paint-in.

"West Coast Path" $650.00

"Stems" $350.00

"Gold Stream" $2,500.00

In the last year, Desiree has been honored with three awards at the Federation Gallery, including first prize in the Small, Smaller, Smallest show in November 2008.

At the age of 23, Jason moved to Victoria, B.C. to study and learn the art of native wood carving. With the help and guidance of a Haida carver by the name of Randy Reid, he has achieved renowned success. He now carves in mediums of Red and Yellow Cedar, Alder and bone.

He is the sign of the Raven, hence his favourite carving.

Cedar Chest

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.

Apple Blossom Necklace

 

Daphne Elaine Raymond brings the spirit of Vancouver Island to each unique jewelry piece she thoughtfully designs and creates.  A native to the west coast and a resident of Sooke, Daphne’s artistry is inspired by an appreciation for the natural elements of her daily surroundings.  Accentuating the beauty of semi-precious stones, local shells, Czech crystals and glass her wirework jewelry creations reflect a classic, fresh and elegant design approach.

Dragon Fly Set