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Reflecting Nature, Reflecting Spirit 6y Shelley Harmm Rae *The Seymour Art Gallery presents, "Reflecting Nature, Reflecting Spirit" ; an installation piece by well-known Deep Cove potter, Cathi Jefferson. Her intention is producing unique variations with rich colour tones and textural surfaces." The passion in her pottery comes through as she feels "a deep connection to the fathomless energy and beauty in nature" and attempts "to maintain this sense with clay." / / to "reflect the fragility of nature and the importance of stewardship of our natural environment". Jefferson has always known she was meant to work with clay and has pursued her dream since 1974. She attended clay courses with master potter Herman Venema, and continued to work in his studio for 16 years. During that time she also took fine arts courses at local colleges and gleaned inspiration from potters whose work she admired. Trying to retain "that initial thrown freshness and interacting with the kiln during the firing process" drew her to salt and wood-firing. She says, "It never ceases to amaze me how each fired piece is directly affected by its location in the kiln, A steep driveway and 40 stairs lead up to her studio,- a challenge when carrying heavy loads. However, after the climb, the granite rock protruding through a wall and lots of windows in a natural west coast setting provide a wonderful tranquil working space and "endless inspiration in my life and work." Her functional dishes are grounded in the belief that "it's important to have handmade items in our lives to help us remain connected to the natural world and to each other." Most of her work is wheel-thrown and altered into square or triangular shapes. Pieces are decorated with impressions from nature or geometric shapes that attempt to enhance the form. She strives to elevate the ordinary into something special by making each piece interesting and strong, through a combination of natural elements and in this new exhibition, multi media. Cathi Jefferson takes responsibility as an artist "to reflect the beauty of nature (albeit symbolically)." She hopes to touch the viewer with a sense of wanting to preserve an innate connection with our temperate climate, surrounding forests, and elemental spirit. Works by Cathi Jefferson