Barry Ace, Zhaabwaabndaan (to see through)

Summer of 2024 I welcomed my inaugural artist in residence to the studio, Barry Ace. I have been envisioning a different type of artist residency, one in which an artist can come work in studio with me and receive technical support in creating work. I also just REALLY love the idea of art-camp! After having participated in a few hands on workshops abroad, I’m totally hooked, a few weeks to just make art, it doesn’t get better.  I am often asked to fabricate work which is great but given time and support, teaching fellow artists how to see out their vision really allows them to be part of the process, and make choices along the way towards the outcome- and! learn new skills. Barry came with a plan, to incorporate ceramics and glass with his signature electrical components.

During our two weeks Barry made a number of pots and on our last night under moon and stars we naked raku’d many of them (the pots were naked not us lol).  Barry made many pots, learned glass mould making, and played around with different ceramic surfaces. Overnighting in guest accomidations, Barry had access to our extensive materials library and we welcomed a few different curators for studio visits. It was a busy and fun two weeks! Getting to share my love of making and be a part of the joy Barry had in realizing what he could make with practice and guidance was super rewarding!

This project was generously supported by the Ontario Arts Council. For more information on the project visit Barry Aces’s website..