1. Shirley Phillips - Lilac Sun Pottery

Studio location : 3311 Denman Rd, Denman Island

“I am delighted by all of nature’s seasonal cycles,” says Shirley Phillips of Lilac Sun Pottery.

“I see the opening of blossoms, rain on rocks, the unfurling of leaves, waves on the ocean…

I am always inspired.”

Shirley successfully captures these fleeting images and feelings in her tactile pottery. Her hand building techniques include coiling, pinching, slab work, sculpture and Kurinuki, then pressing the clay with found textural treasures and natural objects; her works are always highly tactile with intricate patterns.

Destined to work with clay, Shirley was forming pottery from mud when she was still a child. Since then she has taken only one pottery class and a couple of workshops letting her curiosity and passion guide her in her art. She spent seven years as Gordon Hutchens’ part-time studio assistant and worked for Bentley LeBaron for a year and a half. Along the way she has crafted a unique whimsical style that reflects her love of learning and the natural world.

From miniature single stem flower vases and small dishes bejeweled with melted beach glass, to cups, bowls, masks, wall torsos and more, this artist’s tiny studio and gallery overlooking Baynes Sound from the ferry hill is a treasure trove of affordable gift ideas.

Bowls, mugs, cups, spoon rests and other pieces are wheel thrown. Some are smoke-fired in a stacked brick campfire, others are wood-fired in Gordon Hutchens’ Anagama kiln, and others are fired in an electric kiln.

"I love creating handmade pieces that people find delight in.”

“People say my work is whimsical with an organic twist."

Lilac Sun Studio is conveniently located up the hill from the Denman West ferry terminal. Regular studio hours are daily from 9:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. (noted by the signboard placed outside her driveway) otherwise the work of Shirley Phillips can be found at tours and fairs throughout the year (including the Denman Christmas Craft Fair), at the Denman Craft Shop, and during the The Denman Island Pottery Studio Tour and The Denman Island Studio Tour.

Website
https://lilacsunpottery.com/

Social media
https://www.facebook.com/lilacsunpottery/
https://www.instagram.com/lilacsunpottery/?hl=en