Tam Irving’s latest solo show opened at VisualSpace Gallery in Vancouver last Saturday. The only Art Show opening I attended last year was Tam’s show in the same venue so I was interested to see what he has been working on since then. It turns out that Tam has abandoned, probably permanently, wheel-throwing in favour of hand-built slab work for 2D images. There are very few of his familiar sculptural pieces in this show.
https://www.visualspace.ca/copy-of-coastal-shores
Check the gallery’s link to read Tam’s intentions with these formal, carefully executed patterns. He uses lots of colours, having switched from reduction firing to a lower temperature clay body. He still uses his own ground materials and custom grogs to add texture to his coloured images.
My photos will give you an idea of the well-attended opening. Rosalind’s photos of the show before its opening give a much better impression of its quiet, carefully planned ambiance. For me, the chance to catch up with other clay enthusiasts meant that I didn’t find the best angles for Tam’s work. But I enjoyed studying the variety of shapes, colours and surfaces.
This is an impressive body of work, most of which was produced during this last, Covid-coloured year. Thank you Tam for the invitation to consider 2D work, all of which is constructed and finished with clay materials. The show can be seen at 3352 Dunbar street, Vancouver until September 18th.
Many thanks Gillian for your excellent blog. You have really become the main reporter for the ceramic arts. Keep up the great work. Tam.
Thank you Tam. I’ll do my best!
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