Artists - Ellen Statz
Ellen was born and raised in the small coastal village of Campbell River. As the daughter of a commercial fisherman she has a long and direct connection with the sea and with nature which inspires her whimsical forms and designs.
Ellen discovered pottery quite accidentally in 1984 while enrolled in the Fine Arts diploma program at Malaspina College in Nanaimo, B.C. Like so many others, she quickly began a lifelong addiction to clay. After receiving her diploma, she returned to Campbell River and continued her education and work in Raku at North Island College.
Ellen’s work has moved through a number of themes ranging from a fixation with reptiles to her current interest with botanical textures. You will see that leaves play a very important part in Ellen’s work. Her vases and trays are adorned with graceful, organic images of fronds and leaves. The metallic glazes of raku mixed with a never ending supply of natural inspiration mean Ellen’s work is always unique, always unusual.
She still lives in Campbell River where she makes Raku pottery, teaches classes and with help from her hubby and faithful dog, Polar, tends her beautiful (leafy) garden.
Ellen’s wonderful work can be found in discerning galleries and collections throughout the world.
About Raku pottery ; Pieces are fired quickly, then while still glowing hot, are removed from the kiln and placed in a container lined with combustable materials. A lid cuts off the oxygen allowing smoke and fire to work their magic, making each piece a “one of a kind”. Raku pottery on it’s own will not safely hold water. For Ellen’s Ikebana vases, Ellen inserts a waterproof container specially made for each vase.
About Ikebana (Moribana style) flower arrangements – the idea is to be simple, use 1, 3, or 5 stems and they must be organic. If using 3 stems, the 2nd highest should be ¾ the height of the tallest and the shortest should be ¾ the height of the second. You can get more info at www.japan-zone.com/culture/ikebana.
