Having
worked with clay for more that twenty five
years, Jan's
porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware works
can be found at the residence of the Governor
General of Canada, have been presented to
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of England,
and are included in the collections of the
Bronfmans, Reichmans and jazz musician Dr.
Oscar Peterson.
Each
piece and all processes are done entirely
by hand and entirely by Jan Phelan, from the
original design, through to the last luster
firing. Each piece is carefully drawn onto
and cut into with a small blade while the
clay is still soft. Stains, oxides, glazes
and lusters are applied in layers and fired
many times to achieve depth and a rich, vibrant
variation of colour. Each piece has 22K gold
painted and permanently fired onto it. The
magic, music and beauty of nature is her inspiration.
Education:
Aside from art being an ongoing education
in itself, Jan continually takes and teaches
courses in art. Her primary artistic eduation
was at Ontario College of Art, 1966 - 1970,
and the Banff School of Fine Arts.
Awards:
-Prime minister of England, Margaret Thatcher
is presented a large vase by Ontario's Premier,
David Peterson. March, 1988
-Commissioned by the Governor General of Canada
to create twenty one place settings to be
used at Rideau Hall, Ottawa. 1988
-Chinese Minister of Foreign Economic Relations
is presented a large bowl by Minister James
Keleher
-Barbare McDougal is presented a vase from
the Progressive Conservative Party 1987
-Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts 1987,
First Place Popular Award, Second Place Best
in Show.
-Ontario Craft Council, Best Ceramics in show
and Award of Merit, Central Region 1983.
-Ontario Potters Association, Purchase Award,
1982
-Ontario Craft Council Award of Merit 1981
-John Mather Prize, Central Region, 1978
-Ontario Craft Council Award of Merit 1978
Corporate
Commissions:
-E-7 Summit Conference Diplomatic gifts for
visiting dignitaries, 1998
-International Conference for N.A.P.G.A. -
150 vases for delegates, 1995
-Royal Victoria Hospital Doner Awards for
major doners, 1994
-Chamber of Commerce Awards, Midland, 1996
- 2001
Exhibitions
-selected
-Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery Feture Artist
Exhibit 1997 and 2001
-Fusion Biennial Exhibition, travelling exhibit
1998 & 2000
-Arts on King, One person show, Works in Clay
and painting, 1998
-Maple Hill Art Gallery, Barrie, Ontario,
Grand Opening Group Show1998
-Gallery Vie, Hamilton, Ontario, four person
show, 1987
-Fine Contemporary Craft Gallery, Shelly Tadman,
two person show, Winnipeg, 1986
-Nancy Poole's Studio Gallery, Hazelton Ave,
Toronto, three person show, 1986 and 1985
-Parson's Gallery, New York. Four person show
1985
-The Perfect Setting, Winner of the National
Competion to design and create dinnerware
for the Governor General of Canada, 1984 travelling
show
-Ontario Craft Council Exhibition, 1985,1983,
1981,
-Ontario Potters Association, Yorkville, Toronto,
two person show 1982
-Thomas Gallery, Winnipeg Group show, 1976
-National Ceramics Exhibition, Glenbow Alberta
Institute, 1975
-Neinkamper, Toronto, two person show, 1970
