Having the right mug is absurdly important. Everyone’s preference is different. The weight, volume, thickness, colour, handle . . . it all matters. You probably have a cupboard full of mugs, but there’s one that you reach for every time, especially for that first cup in the morning. Darlene Caldwell, pottery artist and owner of Dancing Tree Gallery, knows this very well:
“I think my mugs are my favourite as I can do different sizes and shapes as everyone has different preferences. I get a lot of people saying they have their coffee in them every morning. I can also spend time painting them and making them one of a kind.”
When you enter Dancing Tree Gallery in Powell River you will walk into a delightful and diverse display of local art including painting, woodwork, and Darlene’s own pottery. The bright space features countless shelves and nooks for 3D work, and the clean white walls are perfect for showing off colourful paintings. There is a lot to see, including crafts, greeting cards, and gift ideas, and there is always something new.
For instance, the single-blossom vases: so many of us have flourishing flower gardens and often there’s a single bloom ready or one that gets cut too short. Pop it into a perfect tiny vase and instantly see the dignity and perfection of a single bloom.
Darlene’s glazes and finishes are both earthy and fun. It’s one of the more exciting parts of the process, she explains, “the chemistry of glazes is unpredictable; there are always surprises in each load as you layer one glaze over another.”
Darlene is self-taught and has been doing pottery as a hobby for more than 30 years. She’s made a business of it for the last 12. Making contemporary, functional pieces using techniques that haven’t changed much since civilization began is something that continues to intrigue her.
“The best part is taking a mundane piece of clay and making it into something you will use every day.”
Other artists currently on display at Dancing Tree Gallery, 120 – 4801 Joyce Ave, Powell River, are: Megan Hildebrand, San Raubenhiemer, Helena Pedersen, Pam How, Lisa Hau, and Bob Brackenbury.