About Monique
I first trained as a registered nurse and eventually discovered a passion for ceramics. I retired from nursing in 2018 and I now dedicate most of my time to pottery.
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Being a self-made potter, I acquired my skills through books and the electronic media, and by taking part in workshops here at home and internationally in Australia, the US, Belgium, Holland, Brazil and China.
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The summer of 2004 was my first introduction to Western Raku. I had taken part in a workshop at the Sunbury Shores Art and Nature Center with Peter Thomas in Saint Andrew NB. That was it! I was hooked from then on to this type of ceramics. The complex and yet humble wabi-sabi expressive results this kind of pottery offers is the best way I have of conveying my inner soul.
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This style calls for endless experimentation and creativity. And it involves playing with open flames! which continually brings me back to my childhood summers where we built beach fires after swimming in the icy Baie des Chaleurs.
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My productions start through a variety of inspirations. The ideas can be from simply admiring someone else’s work; however, my best muse is the beauty of my Maritime Provinces. The long drives taken to reach other parts of the Maritimes from my home in northern New Brunswick NEVER cease to replenish my inspiration and ideas. I find the pristine outlines of the magnificent pines and spruce trees the most compelling of all.
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Working with clay is imparting the outcome the shape of my soul.
Education
2020 Raku Workshop with Tim Isaac, Alma, NB (1 day)
2019 Ceramic workshop with lecturer, Lou Smedts, Fujian, Chine. (2 weeks)
2018 Ceramic workshop with award winner, Maya Padrov, Gagetown NB
(1 week)
2018 Wood firing workshop with Erli Santini, Brumadinho, Brazil . (3 days)
2015 Chawan Workshop with John Baymore of the New Hampshire Institute of Art (1 week)
2012 Raku workshop with Steven Branfman, Manchester NH (3 days)
2004 Raku workshop with Peter Thomas, Fredericton NB (1 week)
1992 Tutering at the Glenden Pottery Club, Glenden, Australia (8 weeks)
Exhibitions and Group Participations
2019“Beneath the Surface 2019” group traveling exhibition, Frederiction, Bouctouche, Saint-John NB
2018 “Group Salt Glaze firing”, Veghel, Netherland
2018 “Group Wood Firing”, Brumadinho, Brazil
2017 “Side Show” solo exhibit, Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, Florenceville NB
2017 “Making Waves”, Minister Island, NB
2017 “Bottle and Boxes Exhibit”, Vichte, Belgium
2015 “Friend 2015”, Centennial Library, Dalhousie NB
2015 “Pencil, Clay & Lens”, Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery, Florenceville NB
2015 “NB Fine Craft Festival”, Saint John NB
2015 “The Thing That Happened”, NB Craft Council’s traveling exhibit in St John, Fredericton, Edmonston NB
2015 “Gallery Act”, Halifax NS
2014 “Art and Craft Exhibit”, Bon Ami Festival, Dalhousie NB
2013 « Exposition Autrement /Art Route » Charlo NB
2012 “Spring Art Exhibit”, St Francis Xavier Church, Charlo NB
2008 “Christmas Art and Craft Exhibit and Sale”, Bathurst NB
2007 “IODE Art and Craft Exhibit and Sale”, Bathurst NB
2006 “Art and Craft Exhibit and Sale”, Dalhousie NB
2006 “Village of Charlo 40th Anniversary Art Exhibit”, Charlo NB
1992 “Craft Exhibit”, Glenden Qld Australia
Residency
Beneath the Surface 2019, (one week) Fundy National Park
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Representation
Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
Handworks Gallery, Saint John, NB
Galerie Restigouche, Campbellton, NB
East Wind Boutique, Dalhousie, NB
Atelier Gourmand, Charlo, NB
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Teaching engagements and Artists talks
2014-2015 Instructor, YMCA summer afternoon pottery workshop, Charlo NB
2014 Artist Talk, Glenburnie Woman Institute, Charlo NB
2013 Visiting Instructor, Pottery Class, Académie Notre-Dame, Dalhousie NB
2013 Instructor, Raku Workshop, Charlo NB
2011 Visiting Instructor, Pottery Class, Académie Notre-Dame, Dalhousie NB
2011 Instructor, Raku Workshop, Charlo NB
2010 Instructor, Raku Workshop, Charlo NB
2008 Visiting Instructor, Pottery Class, Académie Notre-Dame, Dalhousie NB
2006 Visiting Instructor, Pottery Class, Dalhousie Middle School, Dalhousie NB
2004 Instructor, Pottery Workshop, Charlo Boy Scouts, Charlo NB
2003 Visiting Instructor, Pottery Class, Royaume des Jeunes, Charlo NB
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Membership
2020-2021 New Brunswick Craft Foundation
2012-2021 Member Craft NB-Métier d’art NB
2018 Member Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature center
2018 Member Phoenix Cultuur, Veghel, Netherland
2010-2017 Executive Member, Member (2005-2019), Restigouche Arts and Craft Council, Dalhousie, New Brunswick
2014 Board member, New Brunswick Craft Council, Fredericton, NB
2009 Member, Adelaide Potter’s Club, Adelaide, SA, Australia
2005 Member, Sunbury Shores Art and Nature Center
1998 Member, Buderim Craft Cottage Association, Buderim, Qld, Australia
1992 Member, Glenden Pottery Club, Glenden, Qld, Australia
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Collections
Works held in private collections in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Israel, Denmark, France, Holland and USA
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