Andrea Piller
BIO
Andrea Piller graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1983. Her sculptural hand built ceramic works are ongoing investigations of natural form that evoke a primitive quality, aiming to synthesize the organic world and human experience. A move from city life to the countryside is informing her studio practice. Her work is shown nationally and internationally and has been the recipient of numerous art awards and Ontario Arts Council grants.
As a mentor artist educator she shares her enthusiasm and knowledge for visual arts and creative fluency, including the facilitation of numerous indoor and outdoor mural installations, and at teacher professional development workshops.
“I try to imbue what I believe is essential in all of us, that which connects us to the world; a courage to create on a personal level and challenge the imagination. Finding this is often a life journey. Sharing this is a joy.”
Artist Statement
The sculptural clay vessel is a potent vehicle for my mark making and aesthetic. It is my foundation. Hand built processes are used, layers of coloured slips and glazes applied and fired in an electric kiln to cone six. The way I work is captivated by the shifting seasons, and the land, sky and shorelines that surround me. Nature, the magnificent model: immediate muse of my designs and imaginings. Redefined and celebrated in my clay sculptures and vessels. Reverence, transformation; impetus for further possibilities.
Porcelain clay, naturally white. Made translucent by pinching thinly and then firing to transform this wonderful material. Position the vessel just right in a sunny spot and its whiteness, its substance will amaze you.
We sometimes long for white.
