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| Gordon Hutchens -photo by Fireweed |
Tradition and innovation blend together seamlessly in the hands of world-renowned potter Gordon Hutchens. Inspired by the famous Edo period wood-block prints of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, recent works by Gordon evoke the turbulent beauty of foam-crested waves rolling across stormy seas. New experiments combining
crystalline glaze and Denman Island Lustre (made from clay
found on the potter's own land), have enhanced the dramatic effect of
the tactile engobe beautifully.
To achieve this stunning effect the artist begins with a light-colored clay body. Each pot is coated with dark blue slip containing iron oxide and cobalt. Eventually, a much thicker porcelain slip, or ‘engobe’, is applied in sweeping gestures with a coarse homemade brush over the entire surface. In the magical chambers of the potter’s resident ‘anagama’, or wood-fired dragon kiln, cobalt bleeds through the thinner areas of the white engobe to create dramatic shading effects in a color range spanning deep sea blue to oceanic black.
Other new decorative experiments
include shapely vases adorned with a low temperature version of a
traditionally high temperature Asian 'oil spot' glaze. In this case,
through careful control of the firing process in a gas kiln, the
potter has achieved a reticulated surface pattern reminiscent of the
starry nite sky. Pearl matte colours on each pot range from sapphire
blue to ruby red, soft black, burgundy and plum.
Equally innovative, Hutchens' whimsical
wood-fired 'baskets' are embellished with vine-like handles and
rococo style detailing. Contrasting clay shards imprinted with
old-fashioned wooden print blocks (made for patterning fabric) have
been pressed into the clay surface and fused there. It appears
(intentionally) as though the unfortunate explosion of a Ming vase in
the kiln transformed into a lucky accident!
A multitude of other decorative techniques- also part of this master potter's extensive repertoire- will be on display in the artist's personal studio showroom as well as the Denman Island Arts Centre exhibition over the 26th annual Tour weekend
