The works of ceramic artist John Cloutier have become a focal point of major exhibitions throughout Western Canada. Unlike other successful artists, however, he is known for his constantly changing style, the result of continual experimentation with new images, shapes and methods. John came from a family of Saskatchewan artists, father Paul and sister Jennette are well known Painters. In 1972 while Attending University the musty smell of the clay room prompted a switch to ceramics and in 1985 began firing in Raku. The artist's ceramic method is Raku, an ancient Japanese art of firing which produces sculptures with unique glazes and a characteristic black clay body. "I love the spontaneity of the medium, the combination from delicate and sophisticated to rough and primitive - all within the same piece. When you fire a piece, you never know how it's going to turn out." An accomplished chef and fly fisherman, Cloutier is inspired by many different subjects. "I am an observer of shapes - in buildings, interior design, or something as simple as a tree branch or a bent-over lamp post." He is also greatly influenced by the art and spiritualism of the West Coast Indians. "When I'm feeling more formal, I may look back at ancient Greek or Egyptian art work on the wheel. I hand build more abstract pieces.

Contact John Cloutier at:
Telephone: (604) 524-1942
333 E. 8th Ave,
New Westminster, B.C.,
Canada, V3L 4K7
E-mail: JCloutier@springmeade.com