About

Sylvia Ohrn

Born:  Vancouver, B.C. Canada  l948. 

My life with clay began around l973, when I was in my early 20’s, taking classes at a pottery school in Vancouver.  I discovered a love of throwing on the wheel.  Over the next few years I worked at various jobs and going to school, fitting in my interest of pottery.  But pretty soon it became apparent to me that what I really wanted was to be a full-time potter.

So, in l977, I set up a pottery studio.  I built a huge gas kiln and used speckled stoneware clays and warm matte glazes.  I   worked in this way for about 7 years and although I loved the look of those pots the desire to work with colour was stronger.  So I started over, using white clay bodies and firing in an electric kiln, experimenting with different techniques to get the bright colours and patterns I wanted.

Travels to Mexico over the years opened my eyes to the bold colours, textures and architecture of that country.  The patterns and designs of textiles and ceramics of Africa, Morocco and the Middle East also interest and inspire me.  I try to pull these various elements together to make a personal statement, something that is unique to me.

Although basically self-taught, I have taken many workshops and classes over the years.  But I believe experimentation is the best teacher.  My work is in a state of flux as ideas develop and are worked out.  Change, for me, keeps creativity alive.

All my work is wheel-thrown, and hand painted, using brushes and sponges – layering colour over colour, to get rich hues.  And while my work does change over time, I think there is something intrinsic to what I’m doing that enables my pots to be recognizable as mine. 

My aim is to transform those ordinary, everyday dishes into ones that give tactile and visual pleasure, through colour and thoughtful form. Colour can evoke an immediate response, and I want to use that in a joyful way.