Pamela Nagley Stevenson with Matter that Matters
Ceramic Artist Expresses Sacred Tradition & Imagery through Art
Sep 11, 2008
"Every piece of my pottery is inspired by theistic existentialism," says Pamela Nagley Stevenson. "Intention, thought, you might even say prayers guide every step of creation from the droplets of glaze to each stick of wood which fires the kiln. With this energy, I hope to imbue the forms with my desire to extend blessings to everyone who uses them, to tangibly serve and nurture them in all aspects of their being. Their physical purpose is Matter that matters---in this way, to overcome the irony of making pots by hand in a time of mass production."
Vessels and sculpted paintings which uplift and integrate.
Pamela draws upon traditional sacred vessels and paintings, from Byzantine thuribles (incense burners) to Tibetan reliquaries (receptacles for cremated ash.) "I want my art to embody the cardinal virtues exemplified in each great faith of a given time. So, for example, the Tibetan piece is for forgiveness and the Byzantine piece, charity."
There is always a movement of reaching upward. Finials point sharply like steeples. Engraved or sculpted images of worship show arms thrown upwards in ecstatic, welcoming embrace, open and receptive. Intricate carving or glazing evokes a rich culture and imagination, mental refinement and emotional purification.
Yet the colours and pedestals of the pots are rooted within the earth. Browns from caramel to burnt umber, vital reds and oranges of fire, rich gold like sunlight, accented with blues, blue-greens, purples and violets, elemental and watery colours. They glow in light like living beings.
Nor are the pieces mere conceptual forms floating in an exalted withdrawal from the world. They have purpose and function, often a humble one. They are grounded and of daily practical service, like finely tempered saints.
Consciousness in Initiation, Process and Completion
Pamela's father, a PhD, initiated the famous East-West Center in Honolulu, an education and research facility. As a child, Pamela was surrounded by teachers, spiritual and cultural leaders, artists, scientists and great thinkers of every spiritual tradition, east and west. She is a devotee of Yogananda. Bhakti and Kriya Yoga are included in her daily disciplines. Sacredness was nurtured through making art part of her spiritual practice.
The Element of Shabui: Surprise Asymmetry
For 20 years, Pamela has taught ceramics at the Kootenay School of Art, and inspires students with reverance for the rich tradition of ceramics. In this way, they integrate their inner experiences with their art, and become practicing artists placed in studios.
"Fearlessness and perseverence are essential. Artists who are afraid don't take risks. Their art becomes stagnant and lacks that element which gives it surprise, that 'wake-up!'' clarion call."
In addition to her accomplishments as a teacher, a mother, a wife, a friend, and a devotee, Pamela commits to five hours in her studio every day. "To overcome despair, you have to make your studio practice your beloved with every fiber of your inner self."
Pamela Nagley Stevenson's work is available through The BC Potters Guild. She and twelve other key artists are part of the KSA: Out There exhibition, Sept 6-29, 2008 at the Gallery of BC Ceramics: 1359 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC, Canada. She can be reached through her company Mythopoeic Pottery: RR#1, S-10, C-7, Winlaw, BC, V0G 2J0 Canada Phone: 250-226-7747.
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