Artist’s Statement

I was born and raised in South Africa and after completing a B.A. at the University of Natal I studied Ceramics at the Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. After emigrating to Canada in 1984 and raising my children, I have returned to clay and continue to explore my black slip designs on red clay. My work is a reflection of my childhood years spent growing up in South Africa. My images are composites of birds and creatures drawn and carved freehand through a black slip, which is applied to the surface of the clay. I incorporate the red colour and earthy texture of the clay into the design. I choose to place these images on functional forms to add whimsy to daily rituals. My goal is to continue with surface decoration, glaze development and exploration of teapots and other pouring vessels.

Process
I mainly work with forms that are thrown on the wheel with red clay. The entire surface is then covered in a black slip. The outlines of the design are drawn freehand on the surface with a pin tool. The excess slip is carved away to reveal the details of the design and the red clay. The piece is then bisque fired after which a liner glaze is applied and fired to Cone 5 in an electric kiln.

Contact Information

Genevieve Smith
KWA-BUMBA
1085 Bayview Drive
Tsawwassen, B.C.
V4M 2R8

Tel: 604-948-0319
Email: pascau@dccnet.com

Work can be viewed at the following venues:

The Mad Potter #6-3071 No. 5 Rd, Richmond, B.C. 604-244-3757
Kwa-Bumba 1085 Bayview Drive, Tsawwassen B.C. V4M 2R8 604-948-0319 Please call ahead for studio hours.
 
 
 
 

T eapot, 19cm high x 16 cm wide, red clay, fired to
cone 5 with black slip design

Tall covered jar, 23 cm high X 11 cm
wide, red clay, fired to
cone 5 with black slip design

Covered jar, 24 cm high X 15 cm wide,
red clay, fired to
cone 5 with black slip design