Artist Statement
These works are inspired by a walking tour of the Cotswolds that my husband and I took last fall. Each morning, I appreciated the miniature bud vases that brightened the inns’ tables. As we hiked through the villages, I was captivated by the aged stone architecture and the vibrant blooms spilling from window boxes. Those impressions guided my creations. I wheel-threw and textured the vases, slab-built and underglaze-finished the window elements, then joined each flower with wire to create playful petals and stems. Through this work, I hope to share a little of the charm and joy of village life.
Biography
Challen Pride-Thorne is a Coquitlam-based maker who works across media, with a primary focus on ceramics. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking from the University of Calgary and has over 20 years of professional experience as a graphic designer. Challen’s connection to Place des Arts began in 2013 when she took a pottery class with her sister. Since then, she has been an active member of the Place des Arts ceramics program and volunteer community.