Steve Irvine Workshop

The Ottawa Guild of Potters brought Steve Irvine from his home in Wiarton, ON to Ottawa for a week-end workshop in January.  Steve's careful attention to detail is evident in the way he forms his pots and in his approach to photography--both important aspects in his life.  He's a solitary artist, working alone in his studio and choosing to sell primarily through stores and galleries within a couple hours' radius of his home studio.  Very interesting to hear him explain his marketing strategy and his relatively modest pricing.  And to hear about the beginnings of the Owen Sound artists' co-operative that he helped found and of which he is still a member.  His quiet, patient, humble demeanour seemed to be transferred to his pots and his photographs.  Lovely work.

Steve demonstrated some of the techniques he uses in forming pots and in creating decorated, textured surfaces. Most intriguing to me were the intricately carved & bisqued hump moulds he used to make bowls and the many rolling tools, also carved and bisqued.

bisqued & carved hump mould

finished teapot and bowl made with hump mould above 

a selection of stamps and rolling tools used to add texture

He made several forms that were then altered, and several were made of assembled pieces, including an animated teapot complete with two eyeballs and four legs.  Lots of food for thought from this workshop.  I look forward to trying out some new ideas that have been percolating since the workshop.

vase form made in 3 pieces