Art

Item Description

This is a pair of gorgeous wood-fired vases made and donated by Emma Smith, a Canadian potter. They meld a somewhat whimsical form with an earthy palate and a rustic and very textured surface. Wood firing is an art form of its own and very labour intensive.  Its devotees love the natural process and how it leaves its footprints on the finished product. The large 'Bottle Vase' is approximately 9" in height and 5" in width ($90).  The smaller "Bud Vase" is just precious and has different finishes across the surfaces ($40). It measures 4" in height and 4" in diameter. They are perfect to display as works of art on their own or as functional vases to offset beautiful flowers, their neutral palate complementing but not competing with even vibrant colours.

Emma has been recognized by The Gardiner Museum, Canada's national ceramic arts museum, as one of the up and coming ceramic artists in Canada. She is a studio potter in the small village of Jerseyville near Toronto. Emma Smith Ceramics is a line of rustic handmade pottery for a beautiful life. Every object is made completely by hand-either thrown on the wheel, pinched, coiled or made from clay slabs. She also is a maker of sculptural ceramic objects inspired by childhood memories and a sense of community. Her work has exhibited across Canada and the United States. She lives with her husband and two cats on their small homestead where they've opened a retail shop that carries artisanal goods from makers across the country. She is currently building her own wood firing kiln near her home so that she can fire more work and keep up with the demand for her pieces.

"The pieces are fired in a wood-burning kiln, using no electricity or gas. The interior of all my pieces are coated with a food safe glaze while the outsides are left to be 'self-glazed' by the ash, the flame and the heat of the wood firing process. Their surfaces show dynamic stories that have been carved by hand and then enhanced by the mark of the fire. The flame path licks and draws, rolls and wraps. Each piece highlights the firing's history and displays the variation within each kiln load. Like people, no two pieces are ever the same."

This is the link to her website and her online store:  www.emmasmithceramics.com

Item Special Note

Shipping: this item will be mailed from our shipping hub to the winning bidder at the conclusion of the auction in June.  Shipping charges are included for US addresses; additional charges for Canada not included.  No shipping outside of the US and Canada.