Overview
Ceramic artist Bruce Cochrane evokes history, using simple clay slabs and transforming them into something that exists as both ancient and functionally modern.
“The work in this exhibition reveals my ongoing interest in the structure of pottery form as it has evolved from a more traditional background. In contrast to previous work, clay’s gesture and plastic qualities have given way to a more hard edge and geometric solution.
The wheel-forming process constructed these functional and sculptural vessels, as did the use of slabs of clay assembled into a set of intersecting planes and volumes to suggest architecture or geological formation. The surface motif consists of flat shapes that become 3D projections integral to the structure of the form. This process has offered exploration into less familiar territory, thus sustaining the excitement of discovery and innovation.
In opposition to the constructed vessels’ formality, they are subjected to a woodfiring process at 2400°F, rendering an unpredictable atmospheric and random surface. Rather than supporting the hard edge form, the effects soften it with rich color and flame patterns. This contrast of form and surface intrigues and motivates me to explore further.” – Bruce Cochrane
About Bruce Cochrane
Bruce Cochrane is an internationally acclaimed ceramic artist and recently retired Professor Emeritus of Ceramics at Sheridan College. During his 30 plus years of teaching at Sheridan, he was instrumental in developing the Ceramic program’s reputation as one of Canada’s best. Likewise, Cochrane is considered one of the country’s preeminent ceramic artists, with work featured in public and private collections worldwide.
Cochrane’s studies began at the NSCAD University and continued in Alfred, New York, at the New York State College of Ceramics, where he received his Masters of Fine Art. Since graduation in 1978, he has participated in 300 exhibitions and shares his knowledge through lectures and workshops throughout North America.
His work is in the permanent collections of the Royal Ontario Museum and Gardiner Museum in Toronto, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa. Cochrane resides in Toronto and maintains his studio practice in Grey Highlands, Ontario.
Venue
A series of display cases located within the Craft & Design corridor
Indoors
Wheelchair Accessible
235 Queens Quay W
Toronto ON M5J 2G8