This past November, I once again flew to Chicago to visit the SOFA Expo (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair). I realize that I write frequently about this, but I feel that is the best around, and it is the premier expo of Sculptural Objects & Functional Art. If you want to see the best ceramics, sculpture and glass... it is very much worth the trip. (Besides...who would pass up a trip to Chicago?!?!)
While I was there, I was looking at the Lafrenière & Pai Gallery booth, which is one of the galleries which represents the work of my all-time favourite ceramic and mixed media artist; fellow Canadian Peter Powning. From my beginnings in working with clay, Peter Powning has been the artist whom I most admire, and has reached a level in his career which I hope to one day achieve. He unknowingly has had the biggest impact on me as an artist.
I was chatting with the gallery owner about Mr. Powning's work, and she informed me he was at the show. She then introduced me to him...that was the highlight of the show for me and made this trip to SOFA the best yet. Upon speaking with him, I found out that he had purchased a piece of mine for his collection from the Gardiner Museum in Toronto. That was the icing on the cake!
The image above was one of my favourites from his recent exhibition at the Sandra Ainsley Gallery in Toronto. ( A stunning Gallery...not to be missed!)
To view Peter Powning's amazing work, visit his website: www.powning.com
Sandra Ainsley Gallery: http://www.sandraainsleygallery.com
Lafrenière & Pai Gallery: http://www.lapaigallery.com/
