THE BACK CORNER POTTER
As a non-profit ceramic arts collective, one of our Gallery’s mandates is
to support potters.
In November 2021 we set up the New Potters Corner, at the back of our Gallery. The “Corner” provided potters, who
create small amounts of work, a space to display their pieces and an
opportunity to test the retail market.
Up to four potters are featured at a time for a six month period: one set over
Xmas (November through April) and a second set over the summer
(May through October). This allows each group to have their work
in the gallery during one of our busiest periods.
Our current Back Corner Potter is:
Rod Smith
Rod Smith and Ocean Star Pottery
Where Nature Meets Imagination
Inspired by the wild beauty of Vancouver Island, where ancient forests meet the ever-changing ocean, I create whimsical, nature-inspired sculptures that celebrate the curious, the unexpected, and the magic hidden in the world around us.
At Ocean Star Pottery, clay becomes a playground for imagination. Twisted roots, mysterious sea creatures, curious characters, and the untamed spirit of our island environment find their way into my work. I love exploring unusual forms, playful expressions, and organic shapes, allowing each creation to develop its own personality.
My creative process is a journey of discovery, where imagination leads and the clay often has the final say. No two pieces are quite alike. Some emerge from the inspiration of the natural world, while others seem to take on a life of their own along the way.
I believe art doesn’t always need to be serious. Sometimes it should make you smile, spark your curiosity, or invite you to see the familiar in a completely different way.
Through Ocean Star Pottery, I hope to share a little of the wonder I find in our forests, oceans, and the extraordinary world that surrounds us, one imaginative creation at a time.