Unique, Textured, Whimsical Pottery

A short walk up the hill from the Denman West ferry terminal lies Lilac Sun Pottery Studio, the gallery and workshop of ceramic artist Shirley Phillips. Full of colour and texture, the studio is a magical space where you are welcome to browse, meet the artist, and ask questions about her style and techniques.

Whether you are looking for an eye-catching statement piece such as a sculptural vase, or something tiny and simple like a one-of-a-kind vase fridge magnet, you’ll find those and more, including wall masks and torsos, chopstick rests, mugs, soap dishes, wee vases and dishes, and bowls large and small.

Shirley uses hand-building methods such as pinching, coiling, kuriniki (hollowing out), sculpture, and slab work as well as a potter’s wheel. Depending on what effect she is looking for, she will choose one of three firing methods: the smoulder of smoke firing in a campfire creates mottled grey to black surfaces with flashes of colour; wood firing in the Anagama kiln produces luscious shades of salmon, green, yellow, and toasty browns; and the digital electric kiln, used for porcelain, yields vibrant turquoise, green, gold, purple, and chocolate brown combinations.

One of Denman’s most prolific and experienced potters, Shirley brings close to 40 years of practice and study to her craft. Her work is often recognizable through its unique emphasis on texture and organic forms. Nature’s inspiration shows up throughout her work. The shapes of her work directly or subtly reference trees, plants, rocks, and the ocean. The textures of the natural world show up via imprints of leaves, seed pods, shells, seaweed, and branches in the clay’s surface.

“Clay allows me to create with texture, colour, and oodles of shapes. I love making one-of-a-kind pieces, some functional, some sculptural. I love to see where experimenting will take the clay. Nature always inspires me with its constant change,” says Shirley.

Studio: Lilac Sun Pottery, 3311 Denman Rd | hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily or as posted

See Shirley’s work on Denman Island: at her studio, at the Denman Craft Shop, and at art events such as the Denman Christmas Craft Fair, Pottery Studio Tour, and Arts Studio Tour.