studio 4 : valerie bridgeman
pottery, handmade paper collage

Nature's textures and forms guide my work in clay.

Living in an old farmhouse surrounded by hills, fields, and trees, with a brook nearby, inspires me. The forms and textures I see around me find their way into my work, whether it is clay or paper. I love to play with sculptural forms in clay but the practical side of me comes out in the making of functional ware as well.

My explorations with paper pulp involve embossing, casting, and collage. I also produce papers made from nearby sources such as milkweed, cattail, iris, and lily fibres. Again, my practical streak shows itself in making useful writing papers and envelopes, as well as handmade books and folders.

For me, one element that clay and paper share is mystery. One must wait to see the finished product. Time and the forces of Nature take a hand in defining the finished work. Another element that unites working with clay and paper pulp is their willingness to accept textural suggestions. This produces pleasure, both visual and tactile.

Workshops:
Workshops in clay and paper are available at my studio from March to November. A Pressed Flower workshop is also available during bloom season. Come and create in the beautiful surroundings where I live and work.

Visit my website: www.valeriebridgeman.com

Contact/studio information:
RR5 | shawville, quebec | J0X 2Y0
819.647.3985
rvvezeau@cyberus.ca

GPS coordinates (WGS84 datum): N45 42.799 W76 23.232

Handbuilt sculpture, from the Messages series.

Handmade paper collage.