JORDAN VAN SEWELL

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"The Conjuror"

Jordan van Sewell, "The Conjuror," 2003, ceramic sculpture/ multi-coloured glaze, 14" x 11" x 8.5".

JORDAN VAN SEWELL

By Amy Karlinsky

Ceramics artist Jordan van Sewell is a much-loved member of Winnipeg's visual arts community. At the University of Manitoba's School of Art, he was exposed to influences from California funk, through to satirical English china, and the Canadian ceramic tradition of social and aesthetic commentary. Van Sewell brings an artist's perspective to The Winnipeg Art Gallery's Board of Governors. His low-fire ceramic work is delightful, whimsical and charming. Enthralled by the everyday, Van Sewell juxtaposes figures and objects with startling points of view, providing a comic commentary. We look twice at his careening automobiles and contorted newts. Underglazes, ceramic stains and clear glazing enhance the plasticity of his forms through shiny, engaging colour. He calls it "candy coating" because "it goes nicely with the rosy cheeks on all of the characters." Van Sewell's large works include excerpts from Bosch, Gauguin and Rousseau; selected pieces are on exhibit at Mayberry Fine Arts in Winnipeg, throughout the summer with smaller works at the Craftspace Gallery. Van Sewell also exhibits at Crafthouse in Vancouver and Lydia Monaro Gallery, Montreal.