Magical 'hairy pottery'
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There is something undeniably magical about Deb Beard’s ‘hairy pottery.’
But its charm is based on material and technique, rather than skills learned at Hogwarts.
The technical term is horsehair Raku pottery, with unique patters created says Beard, by holding horse mane or tail hairs to the surface of vessels glowing red-hot at a temperature ranging between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. The combustion process leaves smoke patterns and carbon trails as decorative mementoes of the process.
“Hence, you get all these lovely little markings,” said Beard, Friday afternoon at the Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre.
Beard is the station general manager, but also a contributing artist to the current annual Painters and Potters Show within the changing gallery.
Beard is both a painter and a potter, and has shown on both sides of previous exhibitions.
“This time I’ve featured pottery.”
A collaborative effort between the Bridge Street Artists and Stationhouse Potters, the exhibition features roughly 80 individual pieces divided roughly 60/40 between pottery and paintings, from close to 20 artists.
Paintings run a gamut of genres including contemporary, abstract, landscapes, portraits and florals in mediums ranging from watercolour through acrylics, oils and a work in charcoal courtesy of Emily Faw.
“We haven’t had one of those here in a while,” said Beard, also mentioning a unique watercolours on yupo heron paper approach from Maxine MacPhail.
“The watercolours sit on the paper, making the pigment appear stronger or brighter.”
A variety of pottery is also on display, says Beard, including the horsehair Raku.
“Anything from wheel work to handbuilding to sculpting.”
Visitors may notice a unique tobacco leaf sculpted by Heather Cnockaert, one of the few pieces in the show not for sale.
“Her husband won’t part with it – but you are welcome to view it,” Beard smiled.
The show opened Friday, and will close Tuesday, May 28, a comparatively short, if sweet period.
“This is just a nice sample of everyone’s work here, at the station,” said Beard, extending an open invitation to the community. “There’s quite a few pieces, so there’s a nice perspective.
“And admission is always free.”