I live in an old farmhouse in the Pontiac countryside
surrounded by hills, fields, and bush, with a brook nearby. The forms
and textures I see around me in nature find their way into my work,
whether it is clay or paper. I love to play with sculptural forms in
clay but the practical side of me comes out in the making of functional
ware as well.
I began making pottery in the evenings as a high
school student. My commitment grew through an artists’ coop at
Pestalozzi College in Ottawa in the early 70’s and a co-op store in
Shawville in the late 70’s. The next decade was dominated by family life
and study. But by 1990, my husband and I began to transform an
outbuilding on our farm into a studio. Each passing year saw a small
improvement in my studio space. When I joined the Pontiac Artists’
Studio Tour in 2000, Richard built a large canopy addition to display
my work.
My interest in papermaking is much more recent. While
enjoying a number of courses at the Ottawa School of Art in 2000, I
became fascinated by the possibilities for experimenting with paper
pulp and natural fibers.
My explorations with paper pulp involve embossing,
casting, and collage. I also produce papers made from nearby sources
such as milkweed, cattail, iris, and lily fibers. Again, my practical
streak shows itself in making useful writing papers and envelopes, as
well as handmade books and folders.
Come to my studio during the Pontiac Artists’
Studio Tour, or call for an appointment. Workshops in clay, paper, and
pressed flowers are available on a flexible schedule.
| Valerie
Bridgeman | rvvezeau@cyberus.ca |
