B.C. artists honoured for their work in applied design

by Charlie Smith on November 27th, 2015 at 7:27 AM

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A Vancouver ceramics artist and a Vancouver shoemaker are among four winners of the Carter Wosk B.C. Creative Achievement Awards for Applied Art & Design.

Kelly Austin's ceramic works are found in restaurants and homes.

On her website, she writes that her work "investigates form, surface, colour and systems of relationships" and how "hard and reduced forms are partnered with soft, satin-matt glazed surfaces and muted tones".

"I am committed to the tradition of wheel throwing within ceramic practice, but am interested in abstracting the familiar vessel form," she adds.

Kelly Austin's ceramics can be seen in this video.

Renée Macdonald founded Westerly Handmade Shoes in 2012. On her website, she states that all of her products are made by hand.

"I am a great believer in the importance of keeping the old world trades alive, and a lover of all things beautiful and finely crafted," she writes.

Westerly Handmade Shoes are a reminder that old trades can thrive in the 21st century.

A third winner is Hornby Island sculptor and basket maker Alastair Heseltine.

He's a willow farmer and his art reflects rural life.

Alastair Heseltine makes elaborate baskets on Hornby Island.

The prizes are named after Emily Carr University of Art + Design professor emeritus Sam Carter and philanthropist and academic Yosef Wosk.

The 2015 B.C. Creative Achievement Award of Distinction went to North Vancouver-based technical-apparel designer Arc'teryx.

In an article in last week's Georgia Straight, Jack Christie reported that the company had won the "Gear of the Year" award from Outside magazine for its Rethel ski jacket.