On Thursday night we held the opening of the first solo exhibition of Quebec based potter Renaud Sauvé (Atelier Des Cent-ans). We had an overwhelmingly positive response, and many people said it was their favourite exhibition we have held so far. I think this exhibition had an emotional quality added to it. Renaud created an environment filled with moss, stones, branches from his property along with paintings, drawings and antiques providing a glimpse into the inspiration behind his work.

This show was more atmospherically considered than any other we have done in the past.

A calligraphy set including works for sale made by Renaud, as well as antiques.

A soapstone black glazed pourer with stand.

An antique Swedish cabinet with a folk art still life of flowers in a pot. Inside of the cabinet is a carved reversible bowl with turquoise base.

The exterior of the pine wall featured a collection of hand “tattooed” waves plates.

Detail of the waves motif.

The low display bench primarily featured the black glazed porcelain works.

On the left is talc, made from ground soapstone from a mine near Atelier Des Cent-ans–one of the ingredients in the black glaze the potter developed. On the right is a celadon glazed bowl of moss with a plaster head and brass feet, curiosities collected by Renaud.

A Chawan tea bowl, and matching tea container.

A hammered copper handle on a black glazed lidded pot.

Linen square with hand embroidery made by Renaud’s mother, along with a black glazed tray and antique arrow head.

Detail of a carved bowl.

Black and white plate collection.

A carved rabbit “candle snuff” and South American wedding belt.

 

Our table featured work with both white and black glaze. This series was made specifically for this exhibition.

A charcoal drawing of Stockholm made by Renaud’s pottery teacher.

Small bowls with painted animal motifs.

The detail of a small pourer on a rock from the river near Cent-ans.

The small size white glazed pourer with a celadon drip.

A white bowl with a rim of clay found at cent-ans.

A porcelain cover with carved turtle figure.

A bowl with carved rat figure at the bottom.

Another candle snuff.

A tall porcelain flower vase with moat.

Bowls inspired by hammered metal.

A gourd pitcher inspired by the painting behind, made by Renaud many years ago.

A carved bowl featuring both black glaze, and celadon rim next to a “beehive” inspired vessel. The framed picture behind is actually made from a wasp’s nest.

A small teacup with a leaf motif.

A white oak alcove made by Renaud’s partner Gilbert with a black footed flower vase, and a white bowl with black drip.

A small flower vase / planter.

A unique bowl on a antique Korean lacquered wood stand.

“Shiva” carved hanging bowl.

One of my favourite vase forms is the “Mei Ping”, so I asked Renaud to make one for the show. It is really beautiful.

White and blue pottery on the black library shelf.

Magnesium drip footed bowls.

A large serving bowl with a celadon glaze.

A lidded bowl with hidden pattern inspired by embroidery.

A blueberry branch with red leaves in a magnesium rimmed bowl.

An oak lecture stand with exhibition catalogs.

The opening reception was really lovely, and we had the opportunity to meet many of Renaud’s fans who haven’t visited our gallery before.

The restaurant Bricco which is only a few blocks away from us provided the meat and cheese for the evening and it was exceptional. By the end of the night nothing was left.

Thank you again for everyone who came to our opening!