AS THE WHEEL TURNS
By Kevin McIsaac
December 30th, 2002
A bunch of cracked pots are gathered in the basement of the Fernie Arts Station. There are also plenty of uncracked pots, vases, cups, dioramas, bowls and other assorted treasures, all created by members of Fernie’s Pottery Guild.
From aged seven to seventy the Fernie potters gather throughout the week to turn and mold their creations. Two pottery wheels are available for those who like to throw their clay. Tools and tables are available for use by everyone. A cone six kiln is available for bisquing and firing. The group is loose and relaxed with potters wandering in and out throughout the day.
Several experienced potters are on hand and classes are given occasionally for those who would like to learn to throw on the wheel or to mold and create shapes and objects by hand.
Local artist Lisa Cloghesy graduated from the Kootenay School of the Arts a year and a half ago and has been teaching throwing classes again for the last few weeks. “This place is a real gem pot. It would be great if more people took advantage of it.” Unfortunately Lisa is relocating to the west Kootenays, but she may be having a show here in Fernie soon.
Lorraine Fraser has been working with clay for thirty years. She teaches hand clay at the Arts Station and manages the kiln and the guild. “It’s always busy this time of year with people making Christmas presents, but it quiets down after.”
For those that haven’t tried it, it’s difficult to put into words the meditative effect that working with clay has on a person. But seeing the end results of others work can be an inspiration to get started. The guild tries to put on a show about once a year.
For information on the pottery guild, their shows or the Arts Station please contact the Arts Station at (250) 423-4842 or theartsstation@elkvalley.net.
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