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, 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
  • Masters Series Workshops – Parksville 2003, 2005
  • Metchosin Summer School of the Arts Clay Programs  – 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 
  • 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
  • Seminars at National Ceramics Educators Conference in Portland, 2008 & Philladelphia 2010
  • Aesthetics of Form with Les Manning – MISSA – 2007
  • Studied with Tom Turner - Porcelain Master in North Carolina - 2010

Exhibitions:

  • Solo Exhibit - "Crystals, Colour & Curves" Gallery of BC Ceramics on Granville Island, August 2008
  • The Crystalline Spectrum - Virginia, USA - 2009
  • Krystallos2007, Pennsylvania, USA (invitational showing of 35 internationally recognized crystalline potters)
  • Calgary Art Market – 2004 and the Edmonton Butterdome – 2004
  • Fraser Valley Potters Guild Annual Juried Show - 2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10
  • Blue Heron Nature Reserve 2005
  • Chilliwack Visual Artists Assoc Member Shows, 2008, 2009, 2010
  • All Pottery currently produced is sold through the on-site Showroom/Gallery at Greendale Pottery and crystalline art pieces at Canwest Gallery, Harrison, BC

Awards:           

  • Honorable Mention - crystalline glazed porcelain - Fraser Valley Potters Guild Juried Show - Chris Staley, Juror, 2006 again in 2007, juror Jeanie Mah and in 2010, juror Jack
  • Finalist - Best New Small Business - Greendale Pottery - Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards - 2006
  • Finalist - Best Small Business and Best Customer Service, Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards - 2008

Publications / periodicals / presentations:

  • Clay Times Magazine Five page article entitled "Marketing your Pottery - The Search for WOW" - 2008
  • B.C. Potter's Guild Newsletter and Fraser Valley Potters Guild newsletter: Various articles

Associations:             

  • Fraser Valley Potters’ Guild
  • British Columbia Potters’ Guild
  • Chilliwack Visual Artists Association
  • Chilliwack Arts Council - Instructor of Wheel Thrown Ceramics (intermediate/advanced)
  • Board Member - Chilliwack Tourism