MAKING POTTERY IN CHILLIWACK, B.C.
Living in the peaceful setting of our 14-acre farm in the Fraser Valley, I work each day in a studio surrounded by inspiring mountain views and gardens, hawks and herons, cattle in green pastures and orchards. My family is always close by, bringing joy into my studio and my heart.

I discovered crystalline glazes several years ago and have grown entranced with pushing the limits to create these extraordinary glazes while also focusing on the importance of simplicity in the forms as a palette. I enjoy creating classic yet simple forms with sensuous curves and flowing lines, which compliment the elegance of the crystals. Crystalline glazing demands a technical mindset, and an interest in the chemistry, complexity and precision of glazing, requirements that suit my personal style.

I also love making functional pots for everyday use, incorporating contemporary styling, curves and bright modern colors. I like that I can spend time on each new design, reflecting on how the piece will work, how it feels to touch and to hold.
Selling exclusively from our Showroom allows me to share my excitement at the wonder of working with clay with visitors and develop relationships with the new owners of my pottery. This interaction is important to me.

The continuing study of form and glaze provides a balance that mirrors my desire for beauty, sincerity and grace in my own life. I want my pots to have a quiet presence and simplicity, and I have a lifetime ahead to pursue this quest.

Holly McKeen, Studio Potter
www.greendalepottery.com
Chilliwack, B.C.

If you would like to know more about Pottery in B.C., follow this link to the British Columbia Potters Guild website: www.bcpotters.com


ARTIST’S BIOGRAPHY
HOLLY J. McKEEN

Studio Potter – Owner / Proprietor, Greendale Pottery, Chilliwack, British Columbia

Education / Selected Workshops:

  • Banff School of the Arts, Drawing & Painting - 1977
  • Various workshops in 1975-98 in Painting, Graphic Arts, Clay, Cartooning & Drafting
  • Wheel throwing classes - Chilliwack – 2001, 2002
  • Rainforest Pottery, Chilliwack – Technician duties & student, 2002, 2003
  • Masters Series Workshops – Parksville 2003, 2005
  • Metchosin Summer School of the Arts Clay Programs  – 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 
  • Kelowna Clay Fest – 2003
  • Red Deer College Summer Ceramics Program – 2005
  • Shadbolt Arts Centre, programs 2003, 2005
  • Lattice Structures Crystalline Symposium, Kansas City – 2006
  • Crystalline Glazing workshop with Peter Ilsley & Kris Friedrich – Palm Springs – 2006

Exhibitions:

  • BC Potters Guild, Gallery of BC Ceramics on Granville Island Gallery – Solo Exhibit titled “Crystals, Colour & Curves” scheduled for August 2008
  • Krystallos2007, Pennsylvania, USA – 2007 (invitational showing of 35 internationally recognized Crystalline potters)
  • Fraser Valley Potters Guild Annual Juried Show – 2004, 2005, 2006  2007
  • Chilliwack Information Centre 2006
  • Blue Heron Nature Reserve 2005
  • Calgary Art Market – 2004
  • Edmonton Butterdome – 2004
  • All Pottery sold exclusively through the on-site Showroom/Gallery at Greendale Pottery           

Awards:           

  • Honorable Mention – crystalline glazed porcelain – Fraser Valley Potters’ Guild Juried Show – Chris Staley, Juror, 2006
  • Honorable Mention – crystalline glazed porcelain – Fraser Valley Potters’ Guild Juried Show – Jeannie Mah, Juror, 2007; also runner up for “People’s Choice Award”
  • Finalist - Best New Small Business – Greendale Pottery – Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards – 2006

Publications / periodicals / presentations: 

  • Clay Times Magazine Nov/Dec 2007- 5 page article and photo layout on Marketing a Pottery Business “The Quest for WOW”
  • B.C. Potters’ Guild Newsletter and Fraser Valley Potters’ Guild newsletter:  Articles on Lattice Structures in Kansas City 2006, Peter Ilsley Workshops at Friedrich’s Studio in Palm Springs 2006 and Marketing in 2007.
  • Presented slides of Lattice Structures and my work for Fraser Valley Potters Guild in 2006.
  • Guest speaker at Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Conference 2007.
  • Presented slides of recent work at Krystallos2007 symposium September 2007.
  • Van Dop Arts & Culture Guide 2007

Associations:             

  • Fraser Valley Potters’ Guild - Librarian
  • British Columbia Potters’ Guild
  • Chilliwack Arts Council (Instructor of Wheel Thrown Ceramics workshops/courses)
  • Circle Farm Tour – Regional Farm Partner Rep.   & Board Member, Chilliwack Tourism
  • Greendale Country Sampler Cooperative Marketing Initiative – Organizing Committee