Shannon Butler is an emerging ceramic artist who recently graduated with
her BFA majoring in ceramics, from the Alberta College of Art and Design.
She had the honor of receiving the Board of Governor's award for her work in
clay.
After graduation, Shannon attended the Medicine Hat International Artists
in Residence Program, where she worked on an independent body of work with
fourteen other artists from around the country.
Recently Shannon created a series of Jewelry Holders which challenge
conventional ceramic forms. They are a celebration of clay, proportion,
color, ornament, texture, imagination and function. Each piece allows the
user to perform an otherwise everyday task in an exciting celebratory new
manner. The work is meant to treasure personal jewelry while the user is
not wearing it.
Whimsical aesthetics rooted from her imagination are explored in each
unique piece. She aims to exploit the voluptuous qualities that clay lends
itself to so easily. Other characteristics of her work have been influenced
by the aesthetics of both the Rococo and Art Nouveau movements. Both
hand-built and wheel-thrown techniques are used in each piece in conjunction
with fabric to entice and surprise the user while creating visual texture
and layers of interest.
Shannon also indulges in making one-of-a-kind bowls, mugs, teapots, vases
and even gnomes. She recently had her first large commission of Christmas
gifts for Dunn Hiebert and Assoc. She sells her work at both Peace Gallery
North and the Dawson Creek Art Gallery.
She is now working towards a collaborative show held at the Dawson Creek
Art Gallery from May, 14th, until June 10th 2007. The theme she is working
under for the show is Wonderland.
Shannon also teaches pottery classes and is an active member of the North
Peace Potter's Guild.