Work Samples
Kathryn Polson Ferguson
My study of classical archeology at university was the inspiration for my passion for pottery. This was further solidified during my fourteen month sojourn in Europe after my graduation where I visited numerous galleries, museums and archeological sights. Upon my return I commenced my career in special education. The intimacy of small classes and a hands on approach established my ongoing philosophy regarding the most effective manner of teaching, which I continue to apply to my present day teaching of ceramics and dance.
My formal training in ceramics began shortly after the birth of my second child. I studied at the Winnipeg Art Gallery under Stan Tinewa. The program was only of a six-month duration and so I moved on to a ceramics program at the Free University in Winnipeg under the direction of David Moss. There was a hiatus until my third child was in school full time at which time I rented space at Stoneware Gallery where I worked side by side with such potters as Kathy Koop and Joanne Venderhorst. My three years there provided a wonderful learning environment during which time I focused on throwing techniques. We then moved to London Ontario, where I established and ran my own gourmet food business at Covent Garden Market for twelve years.
Since moving to Toronto in 1999, I have been able to immerse myself in both ceramics and dance. Dance has greatly influenced my work. I try to integrate the movement and flow of dance into creating my altered ceramic forms. In keeping with my philosophy of continuous learning, to enhance both my own technique and my ability to teach my students, I attend workshops on a regular basis. In addition I have undertaken residency-training programs at The University of Manitoba and with Jason L’Abbee.
