Artists - Cindy Gibson
Ceramic artist Cindy Gibson has a B.F.A. (honours) degree from the University of Manitoba, with a double major in painting and ceramics. Her subsequent art career has taken her to eight locales, including 10 years in Europe.
Working in a Heidelberg, Germany production pottery studio, Cindy had the opportunity to hone her throwing skills and learn single firing and production methods. This was in stark contrast to her art school training, which had emphasized “concept”. However, it was in England, as technician at Farnham College, and restricted to electric firing at her home studio, that she developed her colourful painterly style of decoration using clay slips and underglazes. The rich tradition of English pottery and lush countryside had a huge influence on her work. Cindy draws on these varied experiences to make her pottery as uniquely decorative as it is functional.
A self-confessed “compulsive decorator”, Cindy says of her work, “I primarily use porcelain clay, for its luminous whiteness. My recent work is often highly decorated with carving, layered glazes or paintings using coloured slips. However, I am always conscious of the underlying form, how well it relates to the decoration, as well as how well it will function. I believe that function is an important part of the aesthetics of each piece, certainly equal to the decoration, for when my pots are used, and are a joy to use, the tangible link between user and artist is reinforced.”
Cindy’s current work is made on the wheel or slab built, and is high fired to 1280 degrees Celsius in an electric kiln. Glazes and slips are made in the studio to ensure quality, suitability and fit, and, to take advantage of her frequent experiments with colour. Functional pieces are food, dishwasher and microwave safe. Care should be taken to avoid abrupt or uneven temperature changes, as with any pottery. However, the fine texture of porcelain fired to its vitrified state makes these pieces durable and meant for use. Pieces for the garden may be left outside in all weathers, providing care is taken to ensure proper drainage is maintained.
Cindy returned to Canada and settled in Victoria in 2003. Her work is in private collections in North America, Europe and Japan. She is the owner and principal of Belle and Dragon Pottery.
Quail’s Tale:
Have you seen the range of Cindy’s work? Ginger Jars, Bowls, Vases, Garden Baubles, and Outdoor Fence Planters – to name a few. Each piece is finished beautifully with a huge amount of care and attention to detail. Superb!
