Harlan’s Hospitality…
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Here’s to the weather gods! This past May 24 weekend, my clay conspirator, Vanesa Trillia, and I decided to make the pilgrimage out to Marysville, Ontario (20 minutes east of Belleville) to visit Harlan House during his annual open-house studio sale. What a treat! I went on my pilgrimage with a notion that I might splurge on a Harlan House plate – I’d been blown away by them since Tony Clennell showed us one from his personal collection. Well – when I saw what was on display, I simply couldn’t resist – the glaze at the centre of this plate reminds me so viscerally of the cool pond in the middle of the woods – that imaginary sanctuary that I retreat to in my mind when I’m searching for answers to the great challenges in my life. The two sprigged frogs quenching their thirst at the edge of the pond sealed the deal. I love it! Now to build a stand so that I can admire this work of art next to my friend Sybil Goldstein’s oil painting, that takes me to the same place.
Harlan had come to teach at Sheridan in February, and we were both curious to see the man in his environment. True to form, Harlan was generous with time and knowledge. The sung dynasty-inspired crackle vases inspired a whole dialogue between mentor and students, and we came away with an impromptu lesson on innovative techniques with crackle glazing. The work was diverse, reflecting Harlan’s four+ decade career. I have to admit the iris’s that some consider “made” Harlan’s career, were absolutely to die for, exquisite in there detail and verisimilitude. Some of Harlan’s “new direction” was on display as well – slip cast boats and vessels pregnant with social commentary on the perils of consumer corporatism. My favourite was a carved porcelain “self-portrait” entitled “The Bullies Finally Won, May 2, 2011″ that thumbs its cheeky nose at Harper 3.
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