When I was in the Gallery of BC Ceramics last Wednesday I was pleased to have a chance to see Stephanie Jonsson’s show ‘Spurious Synthetics’. It turned out to be the last week of her show, so this little blog will provide a glimpse of her sculptures for those who have now missed it. The next show ‘The Best of BC’ of work by BCPG members opens next Thursday.
Stephanie lives in Edmonton, Alberta now but was out here at ECU to earn her MFA and to teach at Kwantlen University for a while. She was featured in an article in our BC Potters’ Guild newsletter back in 2015 so I was able to be reminded of her work, and realize why it looked familiar. She has had a varied journey in ceramics, including a year-long residency at Medalta, Medicine Hat, and a two-month stint at Banff. Here is a link to her website, for much more information on her career so far.
She admires pottery but says she would never want to be a maker of functional ware. I’ve included a couple of her artist’s statements from the show, in which she explains some of her intentions in her organic-looking, natural forms. She uses multiple mould-formed pieces and combines them with Art Nouveau fabric and manufactured bottle stoppers that resemble natural forms. There are metal shapes, again imitating plants. The pieces are enticing, puzzling, intriguing, beautifully made and pleasing. 
I’m glad I didn’t miss this show.
