Peterborough's Hidden Ceramic Studios & Art Galleries
Angelo di Petta’s studio - he is known for his inventive pattern techniques.
Our day in Peterborough and the Kawarthas offered much laughter and artistic inspiration. Thanks to a glorious weather, we enjoyed the magnificent vistas of this corner of southern Ontario.
Our first stop at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, presented us with an interesting challenge. A large room with what looked like scattered objects in no particular order, from a rope to antique coins, a paper snake or a glass rolling pin - the exhibit is called “Elemental: Earthen”. Without the expert narration and story telling of curator Fynn Leitch we would have missed much of the depth of the work by Tim Whiten.
“Together, these objects create a space to explore Whiten’s ongoing engagements with the fundamental composition of the universe and who/what we are as human beings,” Leitch explained.
The narration is in fact part of the work. It will inevitably morph as the story moves down the oral transmission chain, making the narrator part of the artwork. Artists and makers that voluntarily incorporate the viewer’s or user ‘s experience into their work fascinate me. It is such a profund sign of generosity. It’s like an embrace - “Join me into my work” they seem to say, “you are welcome here.” I was very touched by this layering of human connections.
Have you ever been into a museum’s vault? Leitch unlocked the doors of the AGP’s vault for us - the frisson at being so intimately close to the art. Quietly resting on shelves or hanging on sliding walls were hundreds of pieces. It felt like we were entering a sacred space (Indiana Jones had nothing on us).
Lunch at One Fine Food was thoroughly enjoyed - visit them for their food emporium too.
A short drive up the road took us to the ceramic studio of Thomas Aitken and Kate Hyde just outside the picturesque village of Warsaw. Their small bungalow is hidden in the forest, the perfect laird for creative minds.
If Kate makes elaborate, joyful and slightly off-the-wall decors (her background is in drawing), Thomas’ table ware is pared down to highlight the perfect shape and functionality. I loved his “lesson” about how to feel a plate - is the rim comfortable in your fingers when you grab it? Is it balanced when you hold it? Is it heavy or too light? Is the underside smooth? Does it sit flat on the table? It reminded me how we take things for granted, and how important it is to pay attention to these small details - eating from a perfectly made plate is one of these little moments of luxury in our day.
Of course I could not resist a small vase from Kate - this little rotund lady is full of attitude.
You can find Aitken & Hyde at the upcoming New Art Festival in Ottawa.
To cap the day we stopped at Angelo di Petta’s studio, off a dirt road in the middle of nowhere (the more hidden the studio, the more enjoyable the discovery if you ask me).
Angelo is a revered potter and teacher in Canada and many generations of potters have learned under him. Whether in its shapes, patterns or colours, his work is very modern: geometric, angular, metallic. Everything and anything can become a tool or a source of inspiration - the alveoli pattern on this vase was made with the plastic mesh used to wrap oranges at the supermarket.
Angelo is semi retired now but he cannot stay away from his clay. Approach him for a commission, he will happily engage with you.
Image courtesy of Angelo di Petta - Pottery Making Illustrated, June-July 2022
“I see ceramic forms and surfaces in everything around me; abandoned buildings, layers of paint peeling off concrete walls, insect-eaten bark on trees, polished beach stones, etc. This is all visual information that eventually finds its way into my work. Each piece I make is an exploration of the natural process of weathering and the gentle wearing away of surfaces by water and sand.”
