Joan & Steve Irivne

November 9th - 25th 2023

Opening reception Nov 9th 7-10pm

There are hundreds of Joan’s Drawings that are 12x9” unframed $100 each (drop in to see the full range) We have a small amount of white frames $20 each

Steve Irvine - Artist Statement

Five years ago, I marked 50 years since deciding to be a potter with an exhibition of work at the Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery, and now I’m happy to celebrate my 55th year of a life dedicated to pottery with a special two person show which also features drawings and paintings by my wife, Joan Irvine. 

My work has changed since my previous exhibition with new explorations in mid-range firing temperatures and glazes. I find the possibilities of this new approach to be exciting, and I’ve developed fresh insights into my understanding of what clay can do. 

Joan Irvine - Artist Statement

In looking back at the last four years, there have been many changes in my life. I would like to thank my husband, Steve for his loving support, caring and encouragement.

At the beginning of Covid 19, our family experienced a deep tragedy on April 1st, 2020. Our niece, Audrey Hopkinson was murdered by her partner who then killed himself. Audrey had two young children and was 7 months pregnant with a third child. Her death was the first of many during the Covid years.

I did a number of drawings during the Covid days that reflected masks, social bubbles and isolation. As we were so isolated and lived in the countryside, I decided to study plant-life along our roadsides.

For at least two years, I selected one plant each day to study and draw. During the winter months, it became more of a challenge.

Every week, I would send photographs of the plants to a biologist friend, Joe Johnson. He often helped me with identification. My husband Steve knows a lot about trees and was so helpful in pointing out the different varieties.

On June 9th, 2021, I had my first cancer surgery in London. For three months, I couldn't sit properly. Steve brought me plants and I did my drawings in bed.

During the year of 2022, I did some of my favourite plant drawings. I drew grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs.

Then, my cancer returned and I had surgery on April 25th,2023. The surgery was followed by six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy treatments in May and June in London at Victoria Hospital. I decided to share my cancer story on social media.

I would like to thank Jonathon and Brian of the Jonathon Bancroft Snell Gallery for hosting me at their gallery every Thursday morning for six weeks. It was my home away from home during that difficult time. I hope that you enjoy my drawings!