Medium: Ceramics
Location: Port Moody, BC
Member Since: 2003
ABOUT
Gillian McMillan and her archaeologist husband Alan have made their home in Port Moody since 1971. Gillian was raised in Dorset and attended Teacher Training College in London, emigrating to Canada in 1967. She has been a potter and wheel-throwing instructor for decades. When her sons were in their late teens Gillian realized a life-long dream of being a full-time Art student, attending Emily Carr IAD (now ECU) for three years and earning her BFA in Ceramics in 1994. Two years later Gillian was one of a group of artists who advocated for the vacant Port Moody City Hall to become an Arts Centre. Its basement became the pottery department and Gillian was one of two ceramics artists in residence there for three years. In 1999 she re-established her studio in her nearby home. Her signature jugbirds are made of wheel-thrown red earthenware, painted with brightly coloured slips. She also enjoys occasional opportunities to fire stoneware work in a salt or soda kiln. Her work can be found at Circle Craft Co-op on Granville Island and at Jonathon’s Gallery in London, Ontario. Gillian writes occasional blogs on clay-related topics. Click on ‘blogs’ on her website: www.gillianmcmillan.com
ARTIST STATEMENT
Even though I am no longer teaching wheel-throwing I still take great pleasure in working in my studio. Hours spent at my wheel, or trimming plates, painting with slips, or emptying a kiln are what make me happy. I am often encouraged by social media reactions to my process and results photos, and delighted when my jugbirds or plates find their new homes.